'People are intimidated' - why 'juggernaut' Arsenal have become the squad everyone fears.

The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' preferred choice to claim the Premier League in the current campaign.

Look at their outcomes against West Ham and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have beaten all of them in the current season, but dropped 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race in the prior campaign.

Impenetrable Defense

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a key reason why they are appearing strong to at last realize their title ambition.

They lead the league for shutouts (6), shots let in (3), opposition efforts (72), shots on target faced (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is possibly the strongest in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Dead-Ball Dominance

Their threat from set-pieces is well known, but opposition teams still don't know how to neutralize the Gunners from these situations.

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

"Arsenal can excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just afraid of them and it is excellent to see."

Title Credentials

What is even more notable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City on home turf - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they keep winning, their traditional rivals 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 scrutiny was on boss Mikel Arteta at the outset, having allocated around £250m on eight summer additions in search of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the business has so far paid off in impressive fashion, with his side second top scorers in the league and possessing the most resilient defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League games
• 385 minutes without conceding a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament

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