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The proof is unmistakable why Arsenal are now countless pundits' top picks to claim the Premier League this season.

Examine their outcomes against West Ham and Crystal Palace compared to those identical matches last season.

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

Impenetrable Defense

Arsenal's backline resilience is a crucial element why they are seeming ready to finally fulfil their title target.

They stand first for unbreached games (6), goals conceded (3), attempts against (72), quality opportunities against (19) and xGA (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Mastery

Their threat from set-pieces is highly documented, but competing clubs still struggle 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 coming from these situations.

"Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just afraid of them and it is wonderful to see."

Title Credentials

What is particularly 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 leading by four at the top.

While they keep winning, their long-standing opponents face difficulties. This marks the premier instance 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 boss Mikel Arteta at the start, having spent around £250m on eight summer signings in search of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far yielded results in impressive fashion, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and having the tightest defense, despite several injuries.

• Shutouts in each of their last three Premier League games
• Over six hours without conceding a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across every tournament

Former players and pundits have described Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now functioning with conviction and resolve.