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

The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal are now countless pundits' favorites to win the Premier League during this term.

Examine their performances against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have overcome all of them during this campaign, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race previously.

Defensive Dominance

Arsenal's defensive strength is a crucial element why they are seeming ready to ultimately achieve their title goal.

They rank top for shutouts (6), goals conceded (3), opposition efforts (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Mastery

Their threat from set-pieces is widely recognized, but rival sides still struggle to stop the Gunners from these situations.

They have notched 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional 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 intimidation presence. People are just afraid of them and it is wonderful to see."

Championship Credentials

What is especially 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 in their own stadium - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they maintain victories, their long-standing opponents are struggling. 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 outset, having allocated around £250m on eight summer signings in quest of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far paid off in impressive fashion, with his side second top scorers in the league and having the strongest defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Clean sheets in three straight Premier League games
• Over six hours without allowing a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across all competitions

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