'People are intimidated' - why 'unstoppable force' Arsenal are the side to defeat.

There's no doubt why Arsenal have become countless pundits' top picks to claim the Premier League during this term.

Consider their outcomes against Fulham and Crystal Palace versus those equivalent matches in the previous campaign.

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

Impenetrable Rearguard

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

They rank top for clean sheets (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), quality opportunities against (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is potentially the finest 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 competing clubs still struggle to neutralize the Gunners from these opportunities.

They have registered 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional 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 wonderful to see."

Championship Claims

What is especially impressive about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they keep winning, their historic competitors aren't faring so well. This marks the first time 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 pressure was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having spent around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far paid off in impressive fashion, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and boasting the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Unbreached games in each of their last three Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without conceding a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across all competitions

Former players and analysts have labeled Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now performing with conviction and purpose.