🔗 Share this article 'People are intimidated' - the reasons 'juggernaut' Arsenal have become the side to defeat. Gabriel Magalhaes rejoices Arsenal's triumph over Crystal Palace There's no doubt why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' favorites to claim the Premier League this season. Examine their performances against West Ham and Crystal Palace versus those same matches during the prior term. 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 Rearguard Arsenal's backline resilience is a crucial element why they are appearing strong to at last realize their title ambition. They stand first for unbreached games (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), shots on target faced (19) and xGA (5.3). The central defensive pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba is possibly the strongest in the league, with Arsenal recording a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Dead-Ball Excellence Their effectiveness from free kicks is well known, but rival sides still don't know how to contain the Gunners from these opportunities. They have registered 11 times from set-pieces in the league, a couple extra than any other side, with 69% of their goals originating from these situations. "Arsenal can do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just fearful of them and it is wonderful to see." Championship Claims What is even more impressive about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also encountered 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 keep winning, their long-standing opponents are struggling. 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 scrutiny was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having spent around £250m on eight summer signings in quest of that long-awaited first title since 2004. But the business has so far proven successful in style, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and boasting the tightest defense, despite numerous injuries. Shutouts in each of their last three Premier League games Nearly 6.5 hours without letting in a goal Only a trio of goals in 12 games across all competitions Former players and analysts have characterized Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now functioning with conviction and purpose.