Arsenal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday, which has led to former England international Joe Cole revising his Premier League title prediction, now casting doubt on the Gunners’ championship credentials.
Cole, who initially tipped Arsenal to clinch their first league title since 2004, says recent performances have made him reconsider, as Mikel Arteta’s team has managed just one point from their last three matches.
The Gunners’ latest setback at St James’ Park saw Alexander Isak head home Antony Gordon’s cross in the 12th minute, securing a well-earned victory for Newcastle. While Arsenal enjoyed a strong start to the season, recent results have raised concerns, with Cole urging Arteta to make tactical adjustments for upcoming games against Inter Milan and Chelsea.
“I thought Newcastle were absolutely brilliant today,” Cole told TNT Sports. “On the ball, off the ball, they were great. This is a season-turning result for Newcastle. A lot of people tipped Arsenal for the league, myself included, but I’m second-guessing that now after what I saw today.”
Joe Cole specifically advised Arteta to consider changes, suggesting Leandro Trossard be dropped from the Arsenal lineup following an underwhelming display against Newcastle. “Trossard was off it today,” Cole observed. “He’s fantastic, but I’m sure Mikel will make changes. They’ve got a huge week now, with a trip to Milan and then Chelsea, who have been in great form.”
When asked if his prediction about the title race had changed, Cole admitted, “I’ve had a change of heart, yeah. I’m not doing a full reversal yet but I’m having a change of heart.”
Arsenal face a testing schedule, beginning with a Champions League match against Inter Milan midweek before a crucial London derby against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, where they’ll aim to get back on track in their title challenge.