'People are afraid' - the reasons 'powerhouse' Arsenal have become the side to defeat.

It's obvious why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' preferred choice to claim the Premier League this season.

Examine their performances against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those identical matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have overcome all of them in the current season, but dropped 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race previously.

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's backline resilience is a primary factor why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title goal.

They stand first for unbreached games (6), goals allowed (3), shots faced (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the strongest in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Dead-Ball Excellence

Their effectiveness from free kicks is widely recognized, but rival sides still struggle to contain the Gunners from these opportunities.

They have notched 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional than any other side, with 69% of their goals originating from these situations.

"Arsenal can excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just wary of them and it is wonderful to see."

Title Credentials

What is particularly notable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City on home turf - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they keep winning, their historic competitors are struggling. This marks the first time at this stage of the season since 1992 that none of Manchester City and United, Liverpool or Chelsea are in the Premier League top four.

The pressure was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having allocated around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in pursuit of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far paid off in style, with his side second top scorers in the league and possessing the strongest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League games
• 385 minutes without allowing a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across various contests

Former players and pundits have described Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now performing with conviction and resolve.