🔗 Share this article 'People are intimidated' - why 'powerhouse' Arsenal have become the squad everyone fears. Gabriel Magalhaes marks Arsenal's triumph over Crystal Palace There's little doubt why Arsenal have become numerous fans' top picks to claim the Premier League during this term. Look at their results against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those identical matches during the prior term. The Gunners have overcome all of them in the current season, but lost 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race previously. Impenetrable Defense Arsenal's backline resilience is a crucial element why they are appearing strong to ultimately achieve their title target. They lead the league for shutouts (6), shots let in (3), shots faced (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3). The central defensive pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the best in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Dead-Ball Superiority Their danger from dead balls is well known, but opposition teams still don't know how to neutralize the Gunners from these chances. They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional than any other side, with 69% of their goals resulting from these situations. "Arsenal can do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just fearful of them and it is great to see." Title Potential What is even more remarkable about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City at home - and are still leading by four at the top. While they maintain victories, their historic competitors aren't faring so well. This marks the premier instance 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 boss Mikel Arteta at the outset, having allocated around £250m on eight summer additions in search of that elusive first title since 2004. But the business has so far paid off in style, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and boasting the tightest defense, despite multiple injuries. Clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League games Over six hours without conceding a goal Only a trio of goals in 12 games across all competitions Former players and analysts have labeled Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now operating with confidence and determination.