🔗 Share this article 'People are fearful' - why 'juggernaut' Arsenal are the squad everyone fears. Gabriel Magalhaes rejoices Arsenal's triumph over Crystal Palace It's evident why Arsenal have become numerous fans' favorites to secure the Premier League this season. Look at their outcomes against West Ham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those same matches in the previous campaign. The Gunners have defeated all of them during this campaign, but lost 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race last season. Defensive Dominance Arsenal's defensive strength is a crucial element why they are looking well positioned to finally fulfil their title goal. They lead the league for shutouts (6), goals conceded (3), shots faced (72), shots on target faced (19) and expected goals against (5.3). The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the finest in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Dead-Ball Excellence Their effectiveness from free kicks is widely recognized, but rival sides 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 resulting from these situations. "Arsenal can do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just fearful of them and it is wonderful to see." Title Potential What is particularly remarkable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still four points clear at the top. While they continue triumphing, their historic competitors aren't faring so well. This marks the premier instance 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 pressure was on manager Mikel Arteta at the outset, having allocated around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in quest of that elusive first title since 2004. But the investment has so far paid off in impressive fashion, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and having the strongest defense, despite several injuries. Shutouts in three straight Premier League games Over six hours without letting in a goal Only three goals in 12 games across various contests Former players and analysts have labeled Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now performing with belief and resolve.