Former Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant has predicted that Mikel Arteta's team will "cookie crumble" following the holiday season.

Following a successful start to this season, the Gunners are currently in first place in the Premier League.

Arsenal leads by four points after 10 games after Manchester City was defeated 1-0 at Liverpool on Sunday.

Their impressive early form has raised optimism that a title challenge could be on the cards at the Emirates – but Pennant thinks otherwise.

But Pennant, who made 26 appearances during his six-year spell at Arsenal, said on talkSPORT: “I think that Arsenal, after Christmas, will cookie crumble like they did the year before to drop out of the Champions League spots."

“I’m going to get criticised and battered by Arsenal fans for being an ex-Gooner!”