š Share this article 'People are fearful' - the reasons 'juggernaut' Arsenal have become the team to beat. Gabriel Magalhaes rejoices Arsenal's triumph over Crystal Palace It's obvious why Arsenal are now numerous fans' preferred choice to claim the Premier League during this term. Look at their results against West Ham and Crystal Palace versus those same matches last season. The Gunners have defeated all of them during this campaign, but dropped 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race in the prior campaign. Impenetrable Defense Arsenal's defensive solidity is a key reason why they are looking well positioned to at last realize their title target. They lead the league for shutouts (6), goals conceded (3), shots faced (72), shots on target faced (19) and xGA (5.3). The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is possibly the finest in the league, with Arsenal maintaining a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Set-Piece Mastery Their danger from dead balls is well known, but opposition teams still don't know how to neutralize the Gunners from these opportunities. They have notched 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional 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 afraid of them and it is wonderful to see." Championship Pedigree What is even more remarkable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City on home turf - and are still leading by four at the top. While they keep winning, their long-standing opponents face difficulties. This marks the initial occasion 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 scrutiny was on manager Mikel Arteta at the start, having invested around Ā£250m on eight summer additions in quest of that coveted first title since 2004. But the business has so far paid off in style, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and boasting the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries. Shutouts 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 experts have characterized Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now functioning with belief and resolve.