🔗 Share this article 'People are fearful' - the reasons 'unstoppable force' Arsenal are the squad everyone fears. Gabriel Magalhaes marks Arsenal's win over Crystal Palace It's clear why Arsenal have become many people's preferred choice to secure the Premier League this season. Consider their outcomes against Fulham and Crystal Palace compared to those identical matches in the previous campaign. The Gunners have overcome all of them in the current season, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race last season. Defensive Strength Arsenal's defensive solidity is a key reason why they are seeming ready to finally fulfil their title target. They lead the league for shutouts (6), goals allowed (3), shots faced (72), shots on target faced (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3). The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the finest in the league, with Arsenal recording a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Set-Piece Proficiency Their threat from set-pieces is highly documented, but rival sides still don't know how 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 fearful of them and it is excellent to see." Championship Claims What is especially remarkable about Arsenal's commencement 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 continue triumphing, 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 scrutiny was on boss Mikel Arteta at the start, having spent around £250m on eight summer signings in pursuit of that coveted first title since 2004. But the business has so far yielded results in remarkable manner, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and boasting the most resilient defense, despite numerous injuries. Unbreached games in three straight Premier League games Over six hours without conceding a goal Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament Former players and pundits have labeled Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now performing with belief and resolve.