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

There's little doubt why Arsenal stand as countless pundits' preferred choice to claim the Premier League in the current campaign.

Look at their performances against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those equivalent matches last season.

The Gunners have overcome all of them during this campaign, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race previously.

Impenetrable Defense

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a primary factor why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title goal.

They rank top for shutouts (6), goals conceded (3), opposition efforts (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the finest in the league, with Arsenal maintaining a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Set-Piece Expertise

Their danger from dead balls is highly documented, but competing clubs still find it difficult to contain 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 coming 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 Claims

What is especially notable about Arsenal's start 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 leading by four at the top.

While they keep winning, their traditional rivals are struggling. This marks the first time 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 manager Mikel Arteta at the start, having allocated around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far paid off in style, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and boasting the strongest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Shutouts in three straight Premier League games
• Over six hours without allowing a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across various contests

Former players and pundits have labeled Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now operating with belief and purpose.