'People are afraid' - why 'powerhouse' Arsenal have become the team to beat.

The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' favorites to win the Premier League this season.

Examine their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have beaten all of them in the current season, but lost 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race in the prior campaign.

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's defensive strength is a primary factor why they are appearing strong to finally fulfil their title goal.

They lead the league for shutouts (6), goals allowed (3), opposition efforts (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Proficiency

Their danger from dead balls 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, 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 daunting aura. People are just fearful of them and it is wonderful to see."

Championship Pedigree

What is even more impressive about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City at home - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they keep winning, 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 expectations was on boss Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having allocated around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far paid off in remarkable manner, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and having the tightest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Unbreached games in three straight Premier League games
• Over six hours without letting in a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across every tournament

Former players and experts have described Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now performing with confidence and resolve.