🔗 Share this article 'People are fearful' - why 'powerhouse' Arsenal are the team to beat. Gabriel Magalhaes rejoices Arsenal's triumph over Crystal Palace The evidence is undeniable why Arsenal are now many people's top picks to win the Premier League in the current campaign. Consider their performances against Fulham and Crystal Palace versus 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. Impenetrable Backline Arsenal's defensive solidity is a primary factor why they are seeming ready to ultimately achieve their title goal. They lead the league for unbreached games (6), goals conceded (3), shots faced (72), shots on target faced (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3). The central defensive pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the strongest in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Dead-Ball Dominance Their danger from dead balls is widely recognized, but rival sides still struggle to neutralize the Gunners from these chances. They have registered 11 times from set-pieces in the league, two more than any other side, with 69% of their goals coming from these situations. "Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just wary of them and it is wonderful to see." Championship Claims What is even more remarkable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City on home turf - and are still leading by four at the top. While they continue triumphing, their traditional rivals face difficulties. This marks the first time 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 manager Mikel Arteta at the start, having allocated around £250m on eight summer additions in pursuit of that elusive first title since 2004. But the business has so far paid off in impressive fashion, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and having the strongest defense, despite numerous injuries. Clean sheets in three straight Premier League games Nearly 6.5 hours without allowing a goal Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across various contests Former players and analysts have described Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now operating with conviction and determination.