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The proof is unmistakable why Arsenal have become numerous fans' favorites to claim the Premier League in the current campaign.

Examine their performances against West Ham and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches in the previous campaign.

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

Defensive Dominance

Arsenal's backline resilience is a crucial element why they are seeming ready to finally fulfil their title target.

They stand first for clean sheets (6), goals allowed (3), opposition efforts (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (5.3).

The central defensive pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the strongest 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 widely recognized, but competing clubs still don't know how to contain the Gunners from these situations.

They have scored 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 perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just fearful of them and it is great to see."

Championship Claims

What is especially notable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City on home turf - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they maintain victories, their traditional rivals aren't faring so well. This marks the first time 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 manager Mikel Arteta at the start, having spent around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that elusive first title since 2004.

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

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

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