🔗 Share this article 'People are intimidated' - the reasons 'juggernaut' Arsenal are the side to defeat. Gabriel Magalhaes rejoices Arsenal's triumph over Crystal Palace There's no doubt why Arsenal stand as countless pundits' top picks to claim the Premier League this season. Examine their results against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those equivalent matches last season. The Gunners have defeated all of them in the current season, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race last season. Impenetrable Backline Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are seeming ready to finally fulfil their title ambition. They lead the league for unbreached games (6), goals conceded (3), opposition efforts (72), shots on target faced (19) and xGA (5.3). The central defensive pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba is possibly the best in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Set-Piece Mastery Their threat from set-pieces is widely recognized, but competing clubs still struggle to contain the Gunners from these chances. They have registered 11 times from set-pieces in the league, two more than any other side, with 69% of their goals resulting from these situations. "Arsenal can excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just afraid of them and it is wonderful to see." Title Credentials What is particularly impressive about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still four points clear at the top. While they keep winning, their traditional rivals face difficulties. This marks the initial occasion at this juncture of the season since 1992 that none of Manchester City and United, Liverpool or Chelsea are in the Premier League top four. The scrutiny was on manager Mikel Arteta at the start, having allocated around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in quest of that long-awaited first title since 2004. But the investment has so far paid off in impressive fashion, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and possessing the tightest defense, despite multiple injuries. Shutouts in three straight Premier League games 385 minutes without allowing a goal Only three goals in 12 games across various contests Former players and experts have described Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now performing with belief and determination.