🔗 Share this article 'People are fearful' - why 'powerhouse' Arsenal are the team to beat. Gabriel Magalhaes rejoices Arsenal's triumph over Crystal Palace It's clear why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' preferred choice to secure the Premier League during this term. Examine their results against West Ham and Crystal Palace versus those identical matches in the previous campaign. The Gunners have defeated all of them this time around, but dropped 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race in the prior campaign. Impenetrable Defense Arsenal's defensive solidity is a key reason why they are appearing strong to finally fulfil their title goal. They lead the league for shutouts (6), goals conceded (3), attempts against (72), quality opportunities against (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 Excellence Their effectiveness from free kicks is well known, but rival sides still struggle to neutralize the Gunners from these situations. 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 excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just afraid of them and it is great to see." Championship Pedigree What is even more remarkable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still four points clear at the top. While they keep winning, their long-standing opponents 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 expectations was on manager Mikel Arteta at the outset, having invested around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in quest of that coveted first title since 2004. But the spending has so far paid off in remarkable manner, with his side second top scorers in the league and boasting the most resilient defense, despite several injuries. Clean sheets in three straight Premier League games Nearly 6.5 hours without allowing a goal Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament Former players and experts have described Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now functioning with confidence and determination.