Mikel Arteta is told to dump Arsenal star following defeat to ‘absolutely superb’ Newcastle.

Joe Cole has told Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to downgrade one player following the Gunners’ 1-0 loss to Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon.

Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League this season are fading as they dropped points for the third time in a row.

An Alexander Isak goal in the 12th minute clinched all three points for Newcastle at St James’ Park, leaving Arsenal with just one point from three Premier League games.

They are still five points behind second-placed Manchester City, who lost 2-1 to Bournemouth, but Arteta’s team is now seven points behind leaders Liverpool.

And former Chelsea player Cole believes Leandro Trossard “was off it” against Newcastle and expects the Arsenal forward to be benched for their next game.

Cole told TNT Sports after the 1-0 victory, “I thought Newcastle were absolutely brilliant today.” They were terrific both on and off the ball.

“I believe this is a season-defining result for Newcastle. Many people, including myself, predicted Arsenal would win the league, but after seeing what happened tonight, I’m reconsidering that prediction.

“They need to go back, take control, and motivate themselves ahead of a big week. Going to Milan and playing Chelsea, who have been in excellent form.

“They could find themselves 10 points behind. I’m sure Mikel will make adjustments because Trossard was off today; he’s great, but there will be changes.”

When asked if his title race forecast had altered, Cole replied, “I’ve had a change of heart, yes. I’m not performing a complete reversal yet, but I’m having a change of heart.”

Martin Keown, an Arsenal icon, admitted that his former club “didn’t play like champions” at St James’ Park on Saturday.

Keown said: “Obviously, it’s early, but it’s a long way back now with Man City and Liverpool already ahead.

“It was quite disappointing from Arsenal. They didn’t impose their personalities on the game at all.

“Credit to Newcastle.” Arsenal just did not show up today, they did not get started, and they only have themselves to blame.

“There are things the manager can do, but he needs to strike a better balance.” All credit to Newcastle, but Arsenal did not perform well today.