🔗 Share this article 'People are intimidated' - the reasons 'juggernaut' Arsenal have become the team to beat. Gabriel Magalhaes rejoices Arsenal's triumph over Crystal Palace The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal are now countless pundits' top picks to claim the Premier League during this term. Examine their outcomes against West Ham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those equivalent matches last season. The Gunners have overcome all of them during this campaign, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race last season. Impenetrable Backline Arsenal's backline resilience is a crucial element why they are appearing strong to at last realize their title ambition. They rank top for clean sheets (6), goals allowed (3), shots faced (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and anticipated concessions (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. Set-Piece Proficiency Their danger from dead balls is highly documented, but competing clubs still don't know how to contain the Gunners from these situations. They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, two more than any other side, with 69% of their goals coming from these situations. "Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just fearful of them and it is great to see." Title Potential What is even more impressive about Arsenal's commencement 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 ahead by four points at the top. While they continue triumphing, their traditional rivals aren't faring so well. This marks the initial occasion 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 head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having invested around £250m on eight summer signings in pursuit of that elusive 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 possessing the tightest defense, despite numerous injuries. Clean sheets in three consecutive Premier League games 385 minutes without conceding a goal Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across various contests Former players and pundits have labeled Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now performing with confidence and determination.