Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was told to drop a player by Joe Cole following Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon.

Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Premier League title this season are starting to fade after dropping points for the third consecutive game in the Premier League.

Newcastle secured three points at St James’ Park with a goal scored by Alexander Isak in the 12th minute. and means Arsenal They have now only picked up one point from three Premier League matches.

They remain five points behind second-placed Man City after Pep Guardiola’s side also lost 2-1 to Bournemouth in the title race; but Arteta’s team are now seven points behind leaders Liverpool.

Former Chelsea midfielder Cole thinks Leandro Trossard was “out of it” against Newcastle and expects the Arsenal striker to be substituted in the next game.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the 1-0 win, Cole said: “I thought Newcastle were absolutely brilliant today. They were brilliant on and off the ball.

“I think this is a landmark result for Newcastle. A lot of people, including myself, tipped Arsenal to take the league, but after what I saw today I’m second-guessing that.”

“Now they need to come back, take control and recover before a tough week ahead. I go to Milan and face Chelsea, who are in great form.

“They could find themselves ten points behind. “I’m sure Mikel will make changes because Trossard was out of it today, he’s great, but there will be changes.”

Asked if his title race prediction has changed, Cole added: “I’ve changed my mind, yes. I’m not making a full comeback yet, but I’m changing my mind.”

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Arsenal legend Martin Keown also admitted his former club “didn’t play like champions” at St James’ Park on Saturday.

keown said: Obviously it’s still early days, but there’s a long way to go now given the lead Manchester City and Liverpool currently have.

“Arsenal’s performance was a total disappointment. They didn’t impose their personality on the game at all.

“Thank you Newcastle. Arsenal didn’t show up today, they couldn’t continue and they only have themselves to blame.

“Arsenal need to create more. There were a lot of disappointing performances there. They didn’t show up, they didn’t play like champions.

“I wonder if there will be some changes, Ethan (Nwaneri) came in and did quite well, Trossard didn’t play his usual game. There are players who can come.

“There are things the manager can do but he needs to find a better balance. Praise for Newcastle but Arsenal were not good enough today.”