Darren Bent says it’s ‘insane’ what he’s been hearing said about Arsenal recently

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Darren Bent believes one of the narratives that is circulating around Arsenal at the moment is ‘insane’.

The Gunners have experienced a mixed start to the new campaign, winning five of their seven matches across all competitions, but failing to beat either Liverpool or Manchester City.

City held Arsenal to a draw last time out in the Premier League, with this result opening up a five-point gap between the North Londoners and leaders Liverpool, after just five matches.

Mikel Arteta’s team take on Newcastle on Sunday afternoon at St. James’ Park, in a match they simply cannot afford not to win.

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Darren Bent says it’s ‘insane’ that Arsenal ‘have’ to beat Newcastle this early in the season

If Arsenal lose on Tyneside and Liverpool beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday, the Gunners will already be eight points adrift.

This will give Arteta’s team a mountain to climb at such an early point in the season, meaning the clash in the north-east is absolutely monumental to their season.

That said, former Tottenham striker Darren Bent has claimed that it’s ‘insane’ that Arsenal are entering a must-win encounter just six games into the campaign.

Speaking on talkSPORT on Friday, Bent said he had predicted it would be a tough start for the Gunners based on their challenging set of fixtures in the opening weeks.

“I mean, it’s mad to think at this stage of the season, and we’re talking about games that Arsenal have got to win now. It’s a bit insane,” presenter Andy Goldstein said.

“It is insane. But look, I remember we spoke about it. I looked at Arsenal’s start and I said the start of their season is as tough as they come,” Bent replied.

Arsenal’s fixtures are about to get a lot easier

While a defeat at St. James’ Park would feel significant for the Gunners, they would have a chance to rectify things in the following couple of months.

As much as an eight-point deficit is large, it’s not irreversible, particularly with a palatable set of fixtures to come.

After playing Newcastle, the Gunners don’t face another side that will be expected to be competing at the top of the league until they take on Tottenham in late November.

Arsenal face three relegation candidates in their five games following the trip to the north-east, with West Ham at home, and trips to Sunderland and Burnley to come.

They also play Fulham and Crystal Palace, both of whom may be looking to compete for a place in Europe, but are certainly winnable matches for Arteta’s side.

The tough start definitely levels off for the Gunners.