🔗 Share this article 'People are intimidated' - the reasons 'unstoppable force' Arsenal have become the squad everyone fears. Gabriel Magalhaes rejoices Arsenal's win over Crystal Palace It's obvious why Arsenal have become numerous fans' favorites to win the Premier League this season. Consider their results against Newcastle and Crystal Palace in contrast with those equivalent matches last season. The Gunners have beaten all of them during this campaign, but dropped 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race last season. Defensive Prowess Arsenal's defensive strength is a key reason why they are looking well positioned to ultimately achieve their title goal. They lead the league for clean sheets (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 possibly the strongest in the league, with Arsenal recording a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Dead-Ball Excellence Their danger from dead balls is well known, but opposition teams still don't know how to stop the Gunners from these chances. 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 fear factor. People are just afraid of them and it is excellent to see." Championship Credentials What is particularly notable about Arsenal's beginning 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 continue triumphing, their traditional rivals aren't faring so well. This marks the premier instance at this point of the season since 1992 that none of Manchester City and United, Liverpool or Chelsea are in the Premier League top four. The pressure was on manager Mikel Arteta at the start, having invested around £250m on eight summer additions in search of that coveted first title since 2004. But the business has so far proven successful in style, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and having the tightest defense, despite numerous injuries. Shutouts in each of their last three Premier League games 385 minutes without allowing a goal Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across all competitions Former players and analysts have described Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now functioning with conviction and resolve.