"They do look a little bit vulnerable" - David James explains how PL teams could 'reduce the gap' to Arsenal after their loss to Villa

Former Premier League goalkeeper David James believes Arsenal remain the league title favorites despite losing to Aston Villa. He has predicted that Manchester City will also drop points this season, adding that they can be silenced by stopping Erling Haaland.

Speaking on Stadium Astro, James praised Aston Villa for their performance, adding that other teams will also use the same tactics to stop the Gunners. However, he still believes Mikel Arteta's side are the favorites for the title and said (via Metro):

"The interesting thing with Man City is they’re capable of losing games themselves at the minute. I don’t think they’re the finished article by any stretch. Erling Haaland is the talisman for them, but if you can keep him quiet, you’ve got a good chance of stopping Man City."

"What’s encouraging for the other clubs is when Arsenal do concede, they do look a little bit vulnerable. Villa showed strength, ability and determination and if the other teams can do that they could reduce the gap on Arsénal. But that’s not to say Arsenal aren’t still the favourites."

Aston Villa handed Arteta's side their second defeat of the season, with Emiliano Buendia scoring an injury-time winner. The loss saw the Gunners drop five points in their last three games, resulting in Manchester City closing the gap with three wins on the bounce.

The Gunners are still on top of the Premier League table, two points clear of Manchester City and three points clear of Aston Villa.

Pep Guardiola sent warning to Arsenal last month

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola sent a warning to Arsenal, saying that the Premier League title was far from done. He reminded Mikel Arteta's side that the title cannot be won in November and said (via ESPN):

"If they continue in that way and don't concede goals, it will be almost impossible, but you always expect you will be better and they will drop points. It is exceptional what they are doing for two or three seasons. It looks like every time it is closer and closer, but we are in early November and you cannot win the title. You can lose it, but you cannot win it."

Arsenal face Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League next, while a trip to Wolverhampton awaits them next weekend in the Premier League. Manchester City are also on the road this week, facing Real Madrid and Crystal Palace.