'People are intimidated' - the reasons 'juggernaut' Arsenal are the squad everyone fears.

There's little doubt why Arsenal have become numerous fans' preferred choice to secure the Premier League this season.

Examine their outcomes against West Ham and Crystal Palace versus those equivalent matches in the previous campaign.

The Gunners have overcome all of them this time around, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race previously.

Defensive Strength

Arsenal's backline resilience is a primary factor why they are looking well positioned to finally fulfil their title target.

They lead the league for shutouts (6), shots let in (3), shots faced (72), shots on target faced (19) and xGA (5.3).

The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the finest 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 highly documented, but rival sides still find it difficult to neutralize the Gunners from these opportunities.

They have registered 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 do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just wary of them and it is excellent to see."

Title Potential

What is especially impressive about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they keep winning, their traditional rivals face difficulties. This marks the premier instance at this stage 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 acquisitions in search of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far yielded results in remarkable manner, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and having the tightest defense, despite several injuries.

• Clean sheets in three straight Premier League games
• Over six hours without conceding a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across all competitions

Former players and experts have characterized Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now functioning with belief and resolve.