March 29th 2023.
(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk) Ray Parlour has lofty aspirations for his former team
Former Arsenal and England midfielder Ray Parkour, now a Talksport presenter, expressed his views on his former club's chances of clinching the Premier League title.
With visits to Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle to come, how essential is it for Arsenal to maintain their eight-point lead over City with a win against Leeds on Saturday?
This match is very critical – Leeds earned a great result at Wolves last time out, which I didn’t foresee. They’ve had some good results against Arsenal in the past – they conquered us 3-2 at Highbury – so Arsenal have to be careful. Being at home, Arsenal will be heavy favorites to take the win, and City will be wishing they drop points, but Arsenal only need to perform as they have been doing.
What part can the supporters play?
They have really helped the Arsenal players this season – I’ve never heard an atmosphere such as this at the Emirates since it opened. You can feel a connection, particularly between the young players and the supporters. I’m positive it will be the same against Leeds. Hopefully Arsenal can come up with a win since that tough stretch in April could decide the season in either direction.
Was being knocked out of Europe on penalties by Sporting Lisbon a beneficial or detrimental thing in terms of the title challenge?
I don’t think losses in that way are ever ‘beneficial’ for you. Mikel Arteta would have liked to have gone through but the most important thing is how they reacted to losing, and they did that really well.People forget about the Europa League quickly if you win the subsequent game. I’d still have been disappointed as a player – it’s still a trophy and could have potentially been an Arsenal versus Manchester United semi-final. Having said that, if they win the Premier League, they won’t be concerned about any other competition – it’s the one accolade you really want to win as a player.
(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk) Ray Parlour has high expectations for his former squad
Ex-Arsenal and England midfielder Ray Parkour, now a Talksport presenter, is confident in his previous team's possibilities of getting the Premier League crown.
With upcoming fixtures against Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle, how crucial is it for the Gunners to preserve their eight-point cushion over City by winning against Leeds on Saturday?
This game is really important – Leeds managed to pull off a great result at Wolves last time which I didn't anticipate. They have had a few successful encounters with Arsenal in the past – they defeated us 3-2 at Highbury – so Arsenal need to be cautious. Being at home, Arsenal are sure favourites to win it and City will be hoping they slip up, but Arsenal just need to perform as they have been doing.
What part can the fans play?
They have really been aiding Arsenal's players this season – I have never heard such an atmosphere at the Emirates since it opened. You can really feel a connection, particularly between the young players and the supporters. I am sure it will be the same against Leeds. Hopefully Arsenal can get a win since that tricky period in April may decide the season either way.
Was being knocked out of Europe on penalties by Sporting Lisbon a good or bad thing for their title challenge?
I don't think losses like this can ever be considered 'beneficial'. Mikel Arteta would have liked to have gone through but the most important thing is how they reacted to the defeat, and they did that very well. People quickly forget about the Europa League if you win the following game. I would still have been gutted as a player – it is still a trophy and could have potentially been an Arsenal versus Manchester United semi-final. Having said that, if they win the Premier League, they won't be concerned about any other contests – it's the one trophy you truly want to win as a player.
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