🔗 Share this article 'People are intimidated' - the reasons 'juggernaut' Arsenal are the squad everyone fears. Gabriel Magalhaes marks Arsenal's victory over Crystal Palace The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal are now numerous fans' top picks to secure the Premier League during this term. Examine their performances 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 dropped 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race previously. Impenetrable Rearguard Arsenal's defensive strength is a key reason why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title ambition. They lead the league for shutouts (6), goals allowed (3), opposition efforts (72), shots on target faced (19) and xGA (5.3). The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is potentially the best in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Dead-Ball Excellence Their effectiveness from free kicks is well known, but competing clubs still find it difficult to neutralize the Gunners from these opportunities. 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 perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just afraid of them and it is excellent to see." Title Potential What is particularly notable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still ahead by four points at the top. While they maintain victories, their long-standing opponents aren't faring so well. This marks the initial occasion 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 expectations was on manager Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having spent around £250m on eight summer signings in search of that elusive first title since 2004. But the investment has so far paid off in remarkable manner, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and possessing the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries. Unbreached games in each of their last three Premier League games Nearly 6.5 hours without letting in a goal Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across every tournament Former players and pundits have labeled Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now operating with conviction and resolve.