Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is under pressure to make lineup changes following the Gunners’ 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday. Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole advised Arteta to drop Leandro Trossard, who Cole believes had an off game against Newcastle.
The Gunners’ title hopes took a hit at St James’ Park, where an early goal from Alexander Isak secured the win for Newcastle. Arsenal has now managed only one point from their last three Premier League games, trailing league leaders Liverpool by seven points and Manchester City by five.
Speaking on TNT Sports after the match, Cole praised Newcastle’s performance, calling them “absolutely brilliant,” and expressed doubts about Arsenal’s title chances. “A lot of people tipped Arsenal for the league, me included, but I’m second-guessing that now,” he said. Cole pointed to the team’s upcoming tough fixtures, including matches against AC Milan and an in-form Chelsea, and suggested Arteta may need to make changes, including possibly resting Trossard.
While Cole admitted he hasn’t fully abandoned hope in Arsenal’s title race, his confidence has clearly wavered
I’ve had a change of heart. I’m not doing a full reversal yet but I’m having a change of heart.
