🔗 Share this article 'People are afraid' - why 'powerhouse' Arsenal are the squad everyone fears. Gabriel Magalhaes rejoices Arsenal's triumph over Crystal Palace It's obvious why Arsenal are now numerous fans' preferred choice to claim the Premier League during this term. Look at their performances against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches last season. The Gunners have defeated all of them this time around, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race last season. Defensive Strength Arsenal's backline resilience is a crucial element why they are looking well positioned to at last realize their title target. They rank top for unbreached games (6), shots let in (3), opposition efforts (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (5.3). The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is potentially the best in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Set-Piece Expertise Their danger from dead balls is widely recognized, but opposition teams still don't know how to stop 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 perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just afraid of them and it is great to see." Championship Credentials What is particularly remarkable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City at home - and are still four points clear at the top. While they continue triumphing, their long-standing opponents face difficulties. 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 expectations was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having allocated around £250m on eight summer signings in pursuit of that coveted first title since 2004. But the spending has so far yielded results in remarkable manner, with his side second top scorers in the league and possessing the most resilient defense, despite numerous injuries. Unbreached games in three consecutive Premier League games 385 minutes without letting in a goal Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament Former players and pundits have characterized Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now performing with confidence and determination.