🔗 Share this article 'People are intimidated' - why 'powerhouse' Arsenal have become the squad everyone fears. Gabriel Magalhaes rejoices Arsenal's victory over Crystal Palace There's no doubt why Arsenal are now countless pundits' top picks to claim the Premier League during this term. Look at their outcomes against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those same matches last season. The Gunners have overcome all of them in the current season, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race previously. Impenetrable Rearguard Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are appearing strong to ultimately achieve their title goal. They rank top for clean sheets (6), shots let in (3), opposition efforts (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3). The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the strongest in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Set-Piece Expertise Their threat from set-pieces is widely recognized, but competing clubs still struggle to contain the Gunners from these situations. They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, a couple extra than any other side, with 69% of their goals originating from these situations. "Arsenal can do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just afraid of them and it is great to see." Championship Claims What is even more remarkable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City on home turf - and are still leading by four at the top. While they maintain victories, their long-standing opponents 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 pressure was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the outset, having allocated around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that elusive first title since 2004. But the business has so far yielded results in impressive fashion, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and possessing the strongest defense, despite several injuries. Unbreached games in three straight Premier League games Nearly 6.5 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 "unstoppable force, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now operating with confidence and determination.