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The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' favorites to win the Premier League in the current campaign.

Consider their outcomes against Fulham and Crystal Palace compared to those same matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have defeated all of them during this campaign, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race in the prior campaign.

Defensive Dominance

Arsenal's defensive strength is a key reason why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title target.

They lead the league for clean sheets (6), shots let in (3), shots faced (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (5.3).

The center-back duo 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.

Dead-Ball Excellence

Their threat from set-pieces is highly documented, but rival sides still don't know how to neutralize the Gunners from these opportunities.

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

"Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just afraid of them and it is great to see."

Title Claims

What is particularly impressive about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City at home - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their historic competitors face difficulties. This marks the premier instance at this point 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 beginning, having allocated around £250m on eight summer signings in pursuit of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far yielded results in remarkable manner, with his side second top scorers in the league and boasting the tightest defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Clean sheets in three consecutive Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without conceding a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across various contests

Former players and pundits have characterized Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now operating with belief and determination.