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There's little doubt why Arsenal have become countless pundits' top picks to secure the Premier League during this term.

Examine their performances against West Ham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those equivalent matches last season.

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

Defensive Strength

Arsenal's defensive strength is a primary factor why they are looking well positioned to ultimately achieve their title target.

They lead the league for unbreached games (6), shots let in (3), opposition efforts (72), shots on target faced (19) and xGA (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Mastery

Their threat from set-pieces is highly documented, but opposition teams still don't know how to stop the Gunners from these opportunities.

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

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

Title Claims

What is even more 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 at home - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they keep winning, their traditional rivals are struggling. This marks the first time 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 scrutiny was on manager Mikel Arteta at the outset, having invested around £250m on eight summer signings in search of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far proven successful in impressive fashion, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and having the tightest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Unbreached games in three consecutive Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without letting in a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across every tournament

Former players and analysts have characterized Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now operating with conviction and resolve.