🔗 Share this article 'People are intimidated' - the reasons 'juggernaut' Arsenal are the side to defeat. Gabriel Magalhaes marks Arsenal's triumph over Crystal Palace The evidence is undeniable why Arsenal are now countless pundits' favorites to secure the Premier League this season. Examine their performances against Newcastle and Crystal Palace in contrast with those same matches last season. The Gunners have defeated all of them during this campaign, but lost 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race previously. Impenetrable Defense Arsenal's defensive strength is a primary factor why they are appearing strong to finally fulfil their title target. They lead the league for unbreached games (6), shots let in (3), shots faced (72), quality opportunities against (19) and xGA (5.3). The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is possibly the best in the league, with Arsenal recording a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Dead-Ball Excellence Their effectiveness from free kicks is widely recognized, but competing clubs still find it difficult to neutralize the Gunners from these opportunities. They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional than any other side, with 69% of their goals originating from these situations. "Arsenal can do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just afraid of them and it is excellent to see." Championship Pedigree What is particularly notable about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City at home - and are still four points clear at the top. While they keep winning, their long-standing opponents face difficulties. This marks the premier instance 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 signings in quest of that long-awaited first title since 2004. But the business has so far paid off in remarkable manner, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and possessing the strongest defense, despite numerous injuries. Unbreached games in three consecutive Premier League games Over six hours without conceding 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 functioning with confidence and purpose.