🔗 Share this article 'People are intimidated' - why 'juggernaut' Arsenal are the squad everyone fears. Gabriel Magalhaes rejoices Arsenal's triumph over Crystal Palace There's little doubt why Arsenal are now many people's top picks to win the Premier League this season. Look at their outcomes against West Ham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those identical matches in the previous campaign. The Gunners have overcome all of them this time around, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race previously. Defensive Dominance Arsenal's defensive strength is a key reason why they are appearing strong to finally fulfil their title target. They lead the league for shutouts (6), goals conceded (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (5.3). The central defensive pairing 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 effectiveness from free kicks is widely recognized, but rival sides still struggle to neutralize 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 resulting from these situations. "Arsenal can do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just fearful of them and it is excellent to see." Championship Claims What is especially remarkable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City at home - and are still ahead by four points at the top. While they continue triumphing, their traditional rivals aren't faring so well. 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 scrutiny was on manager Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having invested around £250m on eight summer signings in pursuit of that coveted first title since 2004. But the investment has so far paid off in remarkable manner, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and boasting 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 every tournament Former players and pundits have described Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now operating with belief and resolve.