Former Arsenal Winger Expects Mikel Arteta's Side To "Crumble" After Christmas

Jermaine Pennant does not believe that Arsenal will challenge for the Premier League title this season despite being four points clear after 10 matches.

Jermaine Pennant does not believe that Arsenal will challenge for the Premier League title this season despite being four points clear after 10 matches.

Arsenal have taken 27 out of a possible 30 points so far, fueling hope of a first EPL title since 2004.

But Pennant - who played for Arsenal 26 times between 1999 and 2005 - is not even expecting his former club to finish in the top four. 

"I think that Arsenal, after Christmas, will cookie crumble like they did the year before to drop out of the Champions League spots," Pennant told talkSPORT.

"We are giving Arsenal a lot of praise about where they are going and how they have conducted themselves in the first ten games.

"But it is all about will they maintain that, will they continue that after Christmas?"

Jermaine Pennant pictured playing for Arsenal in 2001 :: IMAGO/Camera 4

The Gunners have not qualified for the Champions League since 2016.

Arsenal's last six EPL finishes have been 5th, 6th, 5th, 8th, 8th and 5th.

This season will see the Premier League take a six-week winter break to accommodate the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Arsenal have four more EPL fixtures to play before the competition pauses on November 13.

Arteta will take his team to Southampton on Sunday before hosting Nottingham Forest a week later. Arsenal then visit Chelsea and Wolves in their final two games before the World Cup.