'People are fearful' - why 'juggernaut' Arsenal have become the squad everyone fears.

The evidence is undeniable why Arsenal stand as countless pundits' top picks to win the Premier League this season.

Consider their outcomes against Fulham and Crystal Palace versus those equivalent matches last season.

The Gunners have beaten all of them during this campaign, but lost 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race in the prior campaign.

Defensive Dominance

Arsenal's defensive strength is a key reason why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title target.

They stand first for clean sheets (6), goals conceded (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (5.3).

The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is potentially the strongest in the league, with Arsenal recording a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Dead-Ball Excellence

Their effectiveness from free kicks is well known, but opposition teams still find it difficult to stop the Gunners from these chances.

They have notched 11 times from set-pieces in the league, a couple extra than any other side, with 69% of their goals resulting from these situations.

"Arsenal can excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just wary of them and it is wonderful to see."

Title Credentials

What is particularly remarkable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City on home turf - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their long-standing opponents face difficulties. 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 scrutiny was on boss Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having allocated around £250m on eight summer additions in pursuit of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the business has so far yielded results in style, with his side second top scorers in the league and boasting the most resilient defense, despite several injuries.

• Shutouts in each of their last three Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without conceding a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament

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