'People are intimidated' - why 'powerhouse' Arsenal have become the side to defeat.

The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal are now numerous fans' top picks to claim the Premier League this season.

Examine their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches last season.

The Gunners have overcome all of them during this campaign, but lost 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race last season.

Impenetrable Defense

Arsenal's backline resilience is a key reason why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title goal.

They stand first for clean sheets (6), shots let in (3), attempts against (72), quality opportunities against (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

The defensive partnership 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 Superiority

Their threat from set-pieces is well known, but competing clubs still struggle to stop the Gunners from these chances.

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 intimidation presence. People are just fearful of them and it is excellent to see."

Championship Claims

What is particularly remarkable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City on home turf - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their historic competitors aren't faring so well. 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 scrutiny was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having invested around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in quest of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far paid off in style, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and boasting the strongest defense, despite several injuries.

• Clean sheets in three consecutive Premier League games
• 385 minutes without allowing a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament

Former players and experts have described Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now performing with conviction and purpose.