🔗 Share this article 'People are intimidated' - the reasons 'juggernaut' Arsenal have become the squad everyone fears. Gabriel Magalhaes rejoices Arsenal's victory over Crystal Palace It's evident why Arsenal are now many people's favorites to secure the Premier League this season. Examine their results against Fulham and Crystal Palace versus those same matches during the prior term. The Gunners have beaten all of them this time around, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race previously. Defensive Strength Arsenal's defensive strength is a crucial element why they are looking well positioned to at last realize their title target. They lead the league for clean sheets (6), shots let in (3), attempts against (72), quality opportunities against (19) and expected goals against (5.3). The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is potentially the best in the league, with Arsenal recording a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Dead-Ball Dominance 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 originating from these situations. "Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just wary of them and it is great to see." Title Potential What is even more impressive 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 continue triumphing, their traditional rivals are struggling. This marks the premier instance at this juncture 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 invested around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that coveted first title since 2004. But the investment has so far yielded results in style, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and possessing the tightest defense, despite several injuries. Clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League games Over six hours without letting in a goal Only three goals in 12 games across various contests Former players and experts have labeled Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now performing with confidence and resolve.