'People are afraid' - the reasons 'powerhouse' Arsenal are the squad everyone fears.

There's no doubt why Arsenal stand as many people's top picks to secure the Premier League in the current campaign.

Consider their performances against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those same matches during the prior term.

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

Defensive Dominance

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a key reason why they are appearing strong to ultimately achieve their title target.

They stand first for shutouts (6), shots let in (3), shots faced (72), quality opportunities against (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

The defensive partnership 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 Dominance

Their effectiveness from free kicks is widely recognized, but competing clubs still don't know how to neutralize the Gunners from these chances.

They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional than any other side, with 69% of their goals originating 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 Potential

What is even more remarkable about Arsenal's beginning 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 continue triumphing, their historic competitors are struggling. 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 expectations was on manager Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having allocated around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in pursuit of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the business has so far paid off in impressive fashion, with his side second top scorers in the league and possessing the strongest defense, despite multiple injuries.

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

Former players and pundits have characterized Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now performing with belief and resolve.