'People are intimidated' - the reasons 'powerhouse' Arsenal are the squad everyone fears.

It's clear why Arsenal are now countless pundits' preferred choice to claim the Premier League this season.

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

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 in the prior campaign.

Defensive Prowess

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

They lead the league for clean sheets (6), shots let in (3), opposition efforts (72), shots on target faced (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Expertise

Their effectiveness from free kicks is well known, but competing clubs still struggle to contain the Gunners from these opportunities.

They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, two more than any other side, with 69% of their goals coming 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 wonderful to see."

Championship Pedigree

What is even more notable about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City on home turf - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they maintain victories, their historic competitors face difficulties. This marks the initial occasion 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 expectations was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the outset, having allocated around £250m on eight summer additions in pursuit of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the business has so far paid off in remarkable manner, with his side second top scorers in the league and boasting the most resilient defense, despite several injuries.

• Unbreached games 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 "juggernaut, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now operating with belief and determination.