🔗 Share this article 'People are intimidated' - why 'unstoppable force' Arsenal are the squad everyone fears. Gabriel Magalhaes rejoices Arsenal's triumph over Crystal Palace There's little doubt why Arsenal stand as many people's top picks to secure the Premier League this season. Examine their results against Newcastle and Crystal Palace in contrast with those identical matches in the previous campaign. The Gunners have overcome all of them in the current season, but lost 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race last season. Impenetrable Rearguard Arsenal's backline resilience is a key reason why they are seeming ready to ultimately achieve their title goal. They stand first for clean sheets (6), shots let in (3), shots faced (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 recording a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Set-Piece Mastery Their danger from dead balls is well known, but rival sides still find it difficult to neutralize the Gunners from these opportunities. They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, two more than any other side, with 69% of their goals originating from these situations. "Arsenal can do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just afraid of them and it is excellent to see." Title Claims What is even more impressive about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still leading by four at the top. While they keep winning, their historic competitors aren't faring so well. This marks the first time 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 boss Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having invested around £250m on eight summer signings in pursuit of that coveted first title since 2004. But the spending has so far proven successful in style, with his side second top scorers in the league and having the strongest defense, despite numerous injuries. Shutouts in three straight Premier League games Nearly 6.5 hours without letting in a goal Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament Former players and analysts have described Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now functioning with conviction and determination.