Arsenal fell to their second Premier League defeat of the season against Newcastle United on Saturday.
Having lost against Bournemouth last weekend, Arsenal failed to get back to winning ways in the Premier League as they were beaten 1-0 at St James’ Park.
A first half Alexander Isak header was enough to sink Mikel Arteta’s side. Despite having nearly 80 minutes to get back into the game, the Gunners never seriously threatened to mount a comeback.
In one moment, Isak demonstrated what the North London club were missing in this match. The Swedish striker showed a killer instinct and provided some cutting edge for his team. Arsenal have been linked with Isak in the past, and it is plain why Arteta might hold an interest in the forward.
Meanwhile, the Gunners looked jaded and out of ideas in the North East. Leandro Trossard was dismal against Newcastle, Bukayo Saka was unable to muster up any magic, and the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Mikel Merino were all also far from their best.
- READ MORE: How much Arsenal paid to sign every 2024/25 first-team squad player in the transfer market
How Arsenal can win the Premier League
Now seven points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League table, and five behind the reigning champions Manchester City, Arsenal are already very much on the back foot as far as the title race is concerned.
Joe Hart has warned Arsenal and Arteta that the club’s big players now need to step up and deliver.
The former Manchester City goalkeeper knows exactly what it takes to win a Premier League title after all, having won it twice in his own playing days at the Etihad Stadium.
Speaking on the BBC’s Match of the Day, the former England shot-stopper told Arsenal what they must now do to be crowned champions.
He said: “It’s the recovery, it’s everyone being on the same page, it’s about picking your moment. Can you all get a moment together, or is this week completely business? Managing your families at home. To win the Premier League, to win titles, you have to be all in, completely dedicated to what you’re doing.
“I’m not saying that the [Arsenal] players aren’t, but there’s going to be moments when they’re going to be questioned, they’re going to be tired, and there’s going to be questions asked. They need to step up, they need to unite and be together.”
Can Arsenal still win the Premier League title this season?
Arteta can take some small crumb of comfort from the knowledge that Manchester City also dropped points on Saturday, as they became the latest side to fall to defeat against Bournemouth.
There are still almost three quarters of the campaign to go, so the Gunners are not yet out of the running. However, their margin for error is now perilously slim, such is the standard being set at the top end of the Premier League table these days.
Arsenal have now played ten games in the competition this season, and have won just five of them. That record must improve dramatically and immediately, otherwise Arsenal will be out of the title race very soon.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
