Martin Keown says one Liverpool factor can open door for Arsenal to get ‘back in’ the title race

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Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes were dealt another blow as the Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw by Chelsea on Sunday.

As things now stand, with 11 rounds of Premier League games played, Arsenal now find themselves nine point off top spot. 

Liverpool have built up a healthy lead at the top of the Premier League table, as reigning champions Manchester City have also suffered a difficult start to the campaign.

Mikel Arteta felt that Arsenal outplayed Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, but the fact remains that the North London outfit have now gone four top flight outings without a win.

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Arsenal icon Martin Keown predicts Liverpool struggle

As far as the Premier League title race is concerned, the Gunners are very much on the back foot.

Theo Walcott has given his own view on Arsenal’s title chances at this stage, and it is clear that the ex-winger does not have a great deal of confidence that his former club can be crowned champion at the end of the campaign. 

However, his fellow former Arsenal star Martin Keown remains more optimistic.

Keown won three Premier League titles in his playing days with the Gunners, and understands what it takes to get over the line. He is also familiar with the twists and turns that come with being in a title race. 

Speaking on talkSPORT, the ex-centre-back insisted: “It’s not over yet, Of course it isn’t… December fixture list, it’s going to be a very hard month for Liverpool. If they’re still top of the table in come January, I think it’s going to be hard to catch them… It’s not over yet, but Arsenal need to go on a run now. Seven or eight good, proper wins to get back in it.”

What will decide the Premier League title race?

Keown is correct to assert that Liverpool will face a tough run of games in December. 

In the build up to Christmas, the Reds will face Manchester City, Newcastle United, a Merseyside derby against Everton, and Tottenham Hotspur, amongst numerous other fixtures.

Arteta has to believe that Arne Slot’s side will drop points in those games. However, all the Spanish coach can do now is ensure that his side are ready to take advantage. 

No matter what Liverpool do, it will only matter if the Gunners improve their own form and start racking up points. Arsenal have been set a target by Paul Merson, who has told the players that they need to win seven Premier League games on the spin to force their way back into the title race. 

Meanwhile, the fixture calendar has been kind to Arsenal in December, as they will not have to leave London at any point in the month. This lack of travel ought to lend the Gunners a real advantage.