'People are afraid' - the reasons 'powerhouse' Arsenal have become the side to defeat.

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

Look at their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace in contrast with those identical matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have beaten all of them in the current season, but lost 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race in the prior campaign.

Defensive Prowess

Arsenal's defensive strength is a key reason why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title ambition.

They stand first for shutouts (6), goals allowed (3), shots faced (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is possibly the best in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Set-Piece Proficiency

Their effectiveness from free kicks is widely recognized, but rival sides still find it difficult to neutralize the Gunners from these situations.

They have notched 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 excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just wary of them and it is great to see."

Title Potential

What is even more notable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City at home - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they maintain victories, their historic competitors face difficulties. This marks the initial occasion 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 head coach Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having allocated around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the business has so far proven successful in remarkable manner, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and boasting the tightest defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Shutouts in three consecutive Premier League games
• Over six hours without allowing a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament

Former players and analysts have characterized Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now operating with confidence and purpose.