'People are afraid' - why 'powerhouse' Arsenal are the squad everyone fears.

There's little doubt why Arsenal have become numerous fans' top picks to secure the Premier League during this term.

Examine their results against Fulham and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches last season.

The Gunners have overcome all of them in the current season, but dropped 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race previously.

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's defensive strength is a crucial element why they are looking well positioned to finally fulfil their title ambition.

They lead the league for shutouts (6), goals allowed (3), shots faced (72), quality opportunities against (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Proficiency

Their effectiveness from free kicks is widely recognized, but opposition teams still find it difficult to stop 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 originating 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 great to see."

Title Claims

What is especially remarkable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also faced 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 aren't faring so well. This marks the premier instance 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 head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having invested around £250m on eight summer additions in search of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far paid off in style, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and possessing the tightest defense, despite several injuries.

• Clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League games
• 385 minutes without letting in a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across various contests

Former players and experts have characterized Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now performing with confidence and resolve.