“All it takes is one dodgy result” - Ex-Arsenal and Liverpool attacker warns Mikel Arteta about failure

Former Liverpool star Jermaine Pennant has warned Mikel Arteta that not winning silverware this season would be a failure at Arsenal. He pointed out that the Gunners had made a brilliant start to the season, but believed that the title race was far from done.

Speaking to Football London, Pennant said Arsenal were unlikely to go the season without dropping points, and added that it would be up to the others to capitalize on the situation to jump the Gunners in the title race. He said:

"They’re 10 games in, there’s another 28 games to go, there’s only one team that’s done the invincible, no other team has done it because it isn’t easy. There will come a point where they may drop points. Maybe not lose, but pick up a draw at some tricky places, it’s all to play for. Yes, they are in the driving seat, they probably are the favourites at the moment but there’s some big games that they will have to play and conquer.

"I wouldn’t say there will be a blip but I can’t see Arsenal going 38 games without dropping points, it’s up to the rest to capitalise when they do. All it takes is one dodgy result, one dodgy result, after Christmas and January when it starts to really matter, if you drop points, all of a sudden there could be three in it."

Pennant went on to say that one game can change the whole season, and said:

"For example, Man City are only six points behind, if Arsenal were to drop points, and they will, if they were to lose that one game and Man City win, it’s only three points then it’s all to play for. They have to play each other again, they have to go to the Etihad. There’s so much to play for. There will come to a point where Arsenal drop points, it’s about if the teams are there to catch that."

Mikel Arteta's side are leading the table with 25 points from their opening 10 matches, conceding just three goals.

Arsenal finished behind Liverpool last season

Arsenal have been chasing the Premier League title for the last three seasons but have fallen short each time. The Gunners finished second in the table behind Manchester City twice and behind Liverpool last season.

Arne Slot's side managed to win the Premier League title in his first season at Liverpool, finishing 10 points clear of the Gunners. The Reds were leading the table this season by five points after five games, but with four losses in their last five, they have slipped to third.

Liverpool are currently seven points behind the leaders, despite their 1-0 win over the Gunners earlier this season.