'People are intimidated' - the reasons 'powerhouse' Arsenal are the side to defeat.

It's clear why Arsenal are now many people's top picks to win the Premier League in the current campaign.

Examine their outcomes against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those same matches last season.

The Gunners have beaten all of them in the current season, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race last season.

Impenetrable Defense

Arsenal's backline resilience is a key reason why they are looking well positioned to at last realize their title ambition.

They stand first for unbreached games (6), shots let in (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Superiority

Their danger from dead balls is highly documented, but opposition teams still find it difficult to stop the Gunners from these opportunities.

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

Title Claims

What is especially notable about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City on home turf - 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 point of the season since 1992 that none of Manchester City and United, Liverpool or Chelsea are in the Premier League top four.

The expectations was on boss Mikel Arteta at the start, having spent 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 boasting the tightest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Unbreached games in three consecutive Premier League games
• 385 minutes without conceding a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across all competitions

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