'Big punch in the face' - could Arsenal really blow title from here?

'Big punch in the face' - could Arsenal really blow title from here?Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Arsenal have lost three of their last four matchesByAlex HowellArsenal reporter at Emirates StadiumPublished5 minutes ago8 CommentsTop of the league and in charge of the title race only to fade away and be pipped at the post - Arsenal have been there before.But nine points clear after 32 games played and still failing to win the league? No team in Premier League history has capitulated to that extent.Could Mikel Arteta's side really be the first to throw it away from that position?After back-to-back draws for nearest rivals Manchester City, along with a four-game winning streak for the Gunners, many were beginning to assume Arsenal's 22-year wait for the Premier League title was finally set to end.Saturday's chastening 2-1 home defeat by Bournemouth, however, has once again left the door ajar for Pep Guardiola's side."They could blow it playing like that," said former Newcastle and England forward Alan Shearer, who is a pundit on Saturday's Match of the Day."They were poor in every department. No energy, flat – they looked very, very nervous."The whole place seemed nervous. As they haven't won it for so long I perhaps understand, but they have to get through that or they're going to miss out."Arteta described Arsenal's first league defeat since January as "a big punch to the face" and a "painful day"."That's what I said to the boys - and now it's about how we react to that," he added.React they must. Their next league game is at Manchester City next Saturday - and it could now go a long way to deciding the title.History still on the Gunners' side - what the stats sayNine points clear with six games to play - you would have thought it was practically a done deal for Arsenal, despite the defeat by Bournemouth.As it is, with games in hand a fac...