"Your eyes don't lie.." - Owen makes claim about Arsenal after damaging Everton defeat

Former England international Michael Owen insists his opinion about Premier League leaders Arsenal hasn't changed after their shock defeat to Everton.

Arsenal missed the chance to move eight points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table after losing 1-0 at Goodison Park on Saturday.

James Tarkowski's second-half header was enough to secure a crucial victory for Everton in Sean Dyche's first match in charge of the Toffees after replacing Frank Lampard.

Manchester City could have cut Arsenal's lead to just two points but they also slipped up at the weekend, losing 1-0 away at Tottenham on Sunday.

Owen: Your eyes don't lie

The defeat to Everton was only Arsenal's second in the Premier League this season.

And former Liverpool and Manchester United striker Owen expects it to be a one-off result, rather than an early sign of a collapse in the title race.

When asked if doubts would start to creep in at Arsenal, Owen told Premier League Productions: "I don't think so.

"I think your eyes don't lie. I think what we have seen is a different Arsenal team this season.

"Every team has their off day. Every team gets beat from time to time. But this is a totally different Arsenal team from what we saw five-ten years ago. This is a tough team.

"They withstood a lot. They had a lot thrown at them. They conceded one goal, from a set piece. There were circumstances where they could have avoided it, don’t get me wrong.

"If I was an Arsenal fan, then I would be absolutely buoyant about what this season could offer."

Arsenal will hope to bounce back quickly from the defeat when they host Brentford at the Emirates on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta's side will then face title rivals Manchester City in a huge match the following Wednesday.