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

It's evident why Arsenal are now many people's favorites to secure the Premier League in the current campaign.

Look at their performances against West Ham and Crystal Palace compared to those same matches last season.

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

Impenetrable Defense

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

They rank top for unbreached games (6), shots let in (3), attempts against (72), shots on target faced (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the finest in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Set-Piece Proficiency

Their effectiveness from free kicks is well known, but competing clubs still find it difficult to neutralize the Gunners from these chances.

They have registered 11 times from set-pieces in the league, a couple extra than any other side, with 69% of their goals resulting from these situations.

"Arsenal can do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just afraid of them and it is excellent to see."

Title Claims

What is especially remarkable about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City at home - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they maintain victories, their historic competitors are struggling. This marks the premier instance 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 boss Mikel Arteta at the start, having allocated around £250m on eight summer signings in quest of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far paid off in impressive fashion, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and possessing the strongest defense, despite several injuries.

• Unbreached games in three straight Premier League games
• Over six hours without allowing a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across various contests

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