'People are intimidated' - the reasons 'juggernaut' Arsenal are the side to defeat.

The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal have become countless pundits' favorites to secure the Premier League in the current campaign.

Look at their performances against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those equivalent matches last season.

The Gunners have defeated all of them this time around, but lost 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race in the prior campaign.

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's backline resilience is a primary factor why they are appearing strong to ultimately achieve their title goal.

They lead the league for clean sheets (6), goals conceded (3), opposition efforts (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Superiority

Their danger from dead balls is well known, but opposition teams still find it difficult to contain the Gunners from these situations.

They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, a couple extra than any other side, with 69% of their goals coming from these situations.

"Arsenal can excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just wary of them and it is great to see."

Championship Pedigree

What is especially notable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road 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 premier instance 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 beginning, having allocated around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in pursuit of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far paid off in style, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and boasting the tightest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Unbreached games in three consecutive Premier League games
• Over six hours without letting in a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across all competitions

Former players and pundits have described Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now operating with confidence and resolve.