Fortunately for the Gunners, Manchester Town, champions in six of the last seven seasons, also suffered defeat on Saturday as Pep Guardiola’s side lost 2-1 at Bournemouth.
Speaking to TNT Sports, former England midfielder Joe Cole said: “I think this league title will be won by fewer points than in a long time because there are too many good teams.
“A group of countries prepared them for the league, but now I don’t believe it.”
Making their predictions before the start of the season, 11 of the BBC’s 30 radio and television experts said Arsenal would win their first title since 2003-04.
But, in the absence of captain and playmaker Martin Odegaard, who suffered an ankle ligament injury while on international duty in September, they have not had the start many had hoped for in their quest to end City’s dominance.
Keown said: “They showed nothing in their character and Odegaard was once overlooked.” [on Saturday] than I have ever seen.
“It was a seventh different defense in the last 10 games for Arsenal, but the Newcastle goal was basic. They have been very good at that before.”
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock said: “Odegaard is Arsenal’s key player. He’s not afraid to give the ball away with that killer pass. He’s the one missing.
“The fact that they had beaten some of the best teams in the world and the country inclined them to win the league because they thought they were in a position to take that next step.
“It shows what pressure does.”
