Ray Parlour has mapped out Arsenal’s path to the Premier League title as their tense run-in alongside Manchester City shifts into focus.
After piling more misery on Tottenham last weekend, the Gunners are once more five points clear on the summit. City can reduce the gap to 2 points once more in the event that they beat Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday before Arsenal host Chelsea on Sunday.
Crucially, City have a game in hand on their rivals. The 2 also meet on the Etihad in late April on what may very well be a defining afternoon within the title race. Before that, they may also collide within the Carabao Cup final for the primary silverware of the season in a contest that would set the tone for the remainder of the campaign.
Arsenal have been here before and ended the season devastated and empty-handed. Nervous draws against Brentford and Wolves demonstrated there can be off days while injuries to key personnel at this stage could make or break the season.
For now, Mikel Arteta and his squad have their fate in their very own hands. Keep winning and a primary title in 22 years beckons.
Gunners legend Parlour was a part of the last squad to lift the trophy in 2004, certainly one of three he won under Arsene Wenger, and believes a favourable run-in for his old side should see them over the road – even in the event that they must wait until the last day of the season.
Sitting down with Metro this week courtesy of BetMGM, Parlour gave his predictions for every of Arsenal’s remaining league games this season.
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Ray Parlour predicts Arsenal’s title charge
The Arsenal legend gazes into his crystal ball because the Gunners prepare for his or her final 10 league games of the campaign.
Chelsea (H)
These could have been two big games, against Tottenham and Chelsea in every week. In the event that they get through them with two wins, that puts them in a really decent position.
The place can be buzzing. This can be the primary weekend in an extended time where they’ve had every week off too in order that they should start brightly. Should you rating first against Chelsea, they will crumble. They’re a bit flaky on the back and they’ll hand over opportunities. I don’t think too a lot of their players get into this Arsenal side.
Verdict? Arsenal win
Brighton (A)
Brighton are protected now in the midst of the table, not difficult for Europe, but comfortable. Those are the teams you should be playing. So I’ll go for a win.
Verdict? Arsenal win
Everton (H)
You’ve got to have that as a win.
Verdict? Arsenal win
Bournemouth (H)
Two at home in a row – I actually have to go for one more win.
Verdict? Arsenal win
Manchester City (A)
I all the time say, against your rivals, and that is what we all the time tried to do against Man United, win at home and draw away. So I’ll go for a draw. City might want to exit and win the sport and we all know Arsenal can hit you on the break.
Verdict? Draw
Newcastle United (H)
Newcastle aren’t great away from home and we’ve had good results against them recently. I take a look at those home games they usually must be wins.
Verdict? Arsenal win
Fulham (H)
That is sounding like run in!
Verdict? Arsenal win
West Ham (A)
That may very well be tricky. Loads relies on where West Ham are by then and in the event that they still have a likelihood to stay awake. It may very well be tricky. I would put a draw down for that one however it is tough to call at this point.
Verdict? Draw
Burnley (H)
Burnley will probably be down by then so you’ll expect a win.
Verdict? Arsenal win
Crystal Palace (A)
Oliver Glasner can be leaving so I suppose perhaps he’ll wish to exit on a high, especially at Selhurst Park. But they can be protected. they may still be within the Conference League at that stage too which could make a difference.
Verdict? Arsenal win
Will Arsenal recover from the road as champions?
If it goes all the way down to the last day of the season, I can be delighted. I know the way hard it’s to win the league, however the run in does favour Arsenal barely. This weekend is a really big one, especially for Arsenal.
Ray Parlour spoke to Metro courtesy of BetMGM.
‘Chelsea can crumble on the Emirates’
First things first, Arsenal must handle business against the Blues on Sunday.
Arsenal and Chelsea have met thrice this season with the Gunners dumping their London rivals out of the Carabao Cup across two legs.
Chelsea’s only defeats under Liam Rosenior got here in those games but there was loads of fight shown, coming from behind within the league and in Europe against West Ham United and Chelsea.
Parlour believes the midfield battle can be key where Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo will do battle but believes Chelsea’s inconsistent streak – coupled with doubts over goalkeeper Robert Sanchez – may very well be their undoing.
‘Arsenal are coming off a extremely good result against Tottenham but you’ve to be wary of Chelsea because they’ve quality players,’ Parlour said.
‘Midfield goes to be very essential as usual, they’ve Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer who might be so dangerous. In wide areas they’re dangerous too and Joao Pedro is in really good form up top.
‘Nevertheless it is all about Arsenal being at home. The place can be buzzing. Should you rating first against Chelsea, they will crumble. They’re a bit flaky on the back and they’ll hand over opportunities. Robert Sanchez is usually a sensible goalkeeper, or he can have a nightmare. I don’t think too a lot of their players get into this Arsenal side.
‘Chelsea’s problem is their consistency. There was talk of them difficult for the league they usually were up there on the at the beginning but you don’t know what version of them goes to show up. Chelsea can go to Leeds and lose 3-1 or go to Man City and get a win or a draw.’
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