'People are fearful' - the reasons 'juggernaut' Arsenal are the squad everyone fears.

The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' favorites to win the Premier League in the current campaign.

Look at their outcomes against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those same matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have defeated all of them in the current season, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race last season.

Defensive Dominance

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are looking well positioned to ultimately achieve their title goal.

They lead the league for unbreached games (6), goals conceded (3), shots faced (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Dominance

Their effectiveness from free kicks is well known, but competing clubs still struggle to neutralize the Gunners from these opportunities.

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 perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just wary of them and it is excellent to see."

Championship Pedigree

What is especially remarkable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they keep winning, their historic competitors aren't faring so well. This marks the first time at this juncture of the season since 1992 that none of Manchester City and United, Liverpool or Chelsea are in the Premier League top four.

The pressure was on boss Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having allocated around £250m on eight summer signings in quest of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far yielded results in remarkable manner, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and having the most resilient defense, despite several injuries.

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

Former players and pundits have labeled Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now functioning with confidence and purpose.