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

The proof is undeniable why Arsenal have become countless pundits' top picks to secure the Premier League this season.

Consider their performances against West Ham and Crystal Palace compared to those same matches in the previous campaign.

The Gunners have overcome all of them in the current season, but dropped 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race previously.

Defensive Prowess

Arsenal's defensive strength is a crucial element why they are looking well positioned to ultimately achieve their title target.

They stand first for clean sheets (6), goals conceded (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Mastery

Their threat from set-pieces is highly documented, but rival sides still find it difficult to contain the Gunners from these situations.

They have notched 11 times from set-pieces in the league, two more than any other side, with 69% of their goals originating from these situations.

"Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just afraid of them and it is great to see."

Championship Pedigree

What is particularly notable about Arsenal's commencement 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 ahead by four points at the top.

While they keep winning, their historic competitors are struggling. 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 boss Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having allocated around £250m on eight summer signings in search of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far paid off in impressive fashion, with his side second top scorers in the league and having the tightest defense, despite numerous injuries.

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

Former players and experts have described Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now operating with conviction and purpose.