Fortunately for the Gunners, Manchester City, champions in six of the past seven seasons, also suffered defeat on Saturday as Pep Guardiola’s side lost 2-1 at Bournemouth.
Speaking on TNT Sports, former England midfielder Joe Cole said: “I think this league title will be won by less points than for a long time because there are too many good teams.
“A lot of people tipped them for the league but I am second guessing that now.”
When making their predictions before the start of the season, 11 of the 30 BBC TV and radio pundits said Arsenal would win a first title since 2003-04.
But, in the absence of captain and playmaker Martin Odegaard, who suffered an ankle ligament injury while on international duty in September, they have not made the start many anticipated in pursuit of ending City’s dominance.
Keown said: “They didn’t show any of their personality and Odegaard was missed more [on Saturday] than I have ever seen.
“It was a seventh different back four in the past 10 games for Arsenal but the Newcastle goal was basics. They have been so good at that before.”
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock said: “Odegaard is the key player for Arsenal. He is not afraid to give the ball away by hitting that killer pass. He is the one missing.
“They had overtaken one of the best teams in the world and people were tipping them to win the league because they thought you were ready for that next step.
“It shows what pressure does.”
