🔗 Share this article 'People are intimidated' - the reasons 'powerhouse' Arsenal are the team to beat. Gabriel Magalhaes rejoices Arsenal's triumph over Crystal Palace The proof is undeniable why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' favorites to secure the Premier League this season. Consider their performances against West Ham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those equivalent matches during the prior term. The Gunners have overcome all of them this time around, but lost 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race last season. Impenetrable Defense Arsenal's backline resilience is a crucial element why they are looking well positioned to finally fulfil their title target. They stand first for clean sheets (6), goals allowed (3), shots faced (72), quality opportunities against (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3). The center-back duo 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 Excellence Their danger from dead balls is well known, but opposition teams still don't know how to contain the Gunners from these situations. They have notched 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 perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just wary of them and it is great to see." Title Potential What is particularly impressive 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 ahead by four points at the top. While they continue triumphing, their historic competitors are struggling. This marks the initial occasion 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 scrutiny was on manager Mikel Arteta at the outset, having invested around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in quest of that long-awaited first title since 2004. But the business has so far paid off in remarkable manner, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and boasting the tightest defense, despite multiple injuries. Shutouts in three straight Premier League games 385 minutes without allowing a goal Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across various contests Former players and pundits have labeled Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now operating with confidence and resolve.