🔗 Share this article 'People are afraid' - the reasons 'unstoppable force' Arsenal have become the squad everyone fears. Gabriel Magalhaes marks Arsenal's triumph over Crystal Palace It's clear why Arsenal stand as many people's preferred choice to secure the Premier League during this term. Look at their performances against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those same matches in the previous campaign. The Gunners have defeated all of them during this campaign, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race previously. Defensive Prowess Arsenal's backline resilience is a key reason why they are looking well positioned to finally fulfil their title ambition. They rank top for unbreached games (6), shots let in (3), shots faced (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (5.3). The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is possibly the best in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Set-Piece Proficiency Their threat from set-pieces is widely recognized, but competing clubs still find it difficult to neutralize the Gunners from these chances. They have scored 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 fearful of them and it is wonderful to see." Championship Pedigree What is even more remarkable about Arsenal's commencement 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 ahead by four points at the top. While they keep winning, their historic competitors aren't faring so well. This marks the first time 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 head coach Mikel Arteta at the outset, having spent around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that long-awaited 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 several injuries. Unbreached games in three consecutive Premier League games Over six hours without letting in a goal Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across various contests Former players and analysts have labeled Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now functioning with conviction and determination.