🔗 Share this article 'People are intimidated' - the reasons 'powerhouse' Arsenal are the squad everyone fears. Gabriel Magalhaes marks Arsenal's victory over Crystal Palace It's evident why Arsenal are now numerous fans' top picks to win the Premier League during this term. Examine their performances against West Ham and Crystal Palace versus those identical matches in the previous campaign. The Gunners have defeated all of them in the current season, but lost 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race previously. Defensive Dominance Arsenal's defensive strength is a crucial element why they are looking well positioned to finally fulfil their title goal. They lead the league for shutouts (6), goals allowed (3), opposition efforts (72), quality opportunities against (19) and expected goals against (5.3). The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is potentially the strongest in the league, with Arsenal maintaining a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Dead-Ball Superiority Their effectiveness from free kicks is highly documented, but opposition teams still don't know how to contain the Gunners from these chances. They have notched 11 times from set-pieces in the league, two more 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 great to see." Title Potential What is particularly notable about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City at home - and are still four points clear at the top. While they keep winning, their traditional rivals are struggling. 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 scrutiny was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the outset, having invested around £250m on eight summer additions in pursuit 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 possessing the strongest defense, despite multiple injuries. Shutouts in three straight Premier League games Nearly 6.5 hours without allowing a goal Only three goals in 12 games across various contests Former players and pundits have characterized Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now operating with conviction and resolve.