Joe Cole urges Mikel Arteta to drop Arsenal star after Newcastle defeat

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Joe Cole has changed his Premier League title prediction after Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle United and urged Mikel Arteta to drop Leandro Trossard for the upcoming games against Inter Milan and Chelsea.

Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes are threatening to implode after the Gunners lost 1-0 at St James’ Park on Saturday.

Arteta’s side, seeking a first league title since 2004, enjoyed a promising start to the season but have now picked up just one point from their last three games.

Their latest disappointment was sparked by Alexander Isak, who rose well in the box to head home Antony Gordon’s superb cross and give Newcastle a fourth win from ten league games.

Ex-England star Cole predicted Arsenal would win the Premier League before the season started but admits he is ‘having a change of heart’ following their recent wobble.

Cole believes Arteta should make a few changes for the upcoming Champions League clash with Inter and next weekend’s London derby against Chelsea, with Trossard possibly making way following a subdued performance at St James’ Park.

‘I thought Newcastle were absolutely brilliant today,’ Cole told TNT Sports after the 1-0 win. ‘On the ball, off the ball, they were great.

‘I think this is a season-turning result for Newcastle. A lot of people tipped Arsenal for the league, me included, but I’m second-guessing that now after what I saw today.

‘They need to go back, take ownership and lift themselves ahead of a huge week now. Going to Milan and playing Chelsea who have been in great form.

‘They could find themselves ten points adrift. I'm sure Mikel will make changes because Trossard was off it today, he's fantastic but there will be changes.’

Asked if he has changed his mind about the Premier League title race, Cole added: ‘I've had a change of heart, yeah. I'm not doing a full reversal yet but I'm having a change of heart.’

More to follow…