Arsenal fell to a disappointing 1-0 loss at Newcastle United on Saturday in a big blow to their Premier League title aspirations.
The Gunners made a poor start to the away encounter as Alexander Isak powered home a superb header with 12 minutes on the clock.
Mikel Arteta made changes in the second-half but failed to breach the hosts’ defences and ultimately had to return empty handed from St James’ Park.
The result means Arsenal have picked up only one point from their last three league matches, leaving them seven points behind leaders Liverpool in the table.
Many have already ruled them out of the title race but Gary Neville is still backing them to compete with Arne Slot’s team and Manchester City for the league crown.
Neville said on Sky Sports: “Arsenal at this moment in time there are big questions being asked but I don’t rule them out of winning the title, I still have them winning the title. And this might be what they need to win the title. And I might look completely and utterly stupid and there will be people playing this clip back to me in three, four months saying what the hell were you talking about. But I feel most connected to a title race”.
"There will be people playing this clip back to me in three or four months saying what the hell were you talking about?" 😬
Gary Neville still backs Arsenal to win the Premier League 🏆 pic.twitter.com/PlJyWAJNcQ
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 3, 2024
Arsenal made a positive start to the 2024-25 Premier League campaign, winning five of their seven opening games.
However, they slumped to a 2-0 defeat against Bournemouth after being reduced to 10 men due to William Saliba’s red card.
The Gunners had a great opportunity to pick up full points against Liverpool when they were leading 2-1 at the break last month, but a late Mohamed Salah equaliser ensured the spoils of the match were shared.
The latest game on Saturday saw the North Londoners produce a flat performance at St James’ Park and they deservedly lost 1-0.
Mikel Arteta’s side must show significant improvement over the following weeks to keep their Premier League title hopes alive this season.