Parlour: Gunner have to go for it
RAY PARLOUR believes Arsenal’s massive title clash against Manchester City has come at a bad time for the Gunners in their first match after the international break.
Mikel Arteta’s men head to the Etihad today to face Pep Guardiola’s City in a title race showdown, with both sides facing injury doubts from the international period.
Speaking on behalf of Netbet Sports Betting, former Gunners midfielder
Parlour, who won three Premier League titles during his time in north
London, acknowledged the circumstances surrounding this fixture have not been ideal for Arteta’s side.
But he has urged his old side to just soldier on and get the job done.
“It’s not ideal playing after such a long break, we know that,”parlour said.
“It’s probably come at a bad time for Arsenal, they probably needed to keep playing, but that’s football, no one can judge that.
“You’ve just got to get on with it. It’s a massive game from Arsenal’s point of view. Going to the Etihad is always difficult with the players they have, but Arsenal have just got to go there and believe they can do it.”
Parlour also reflected on the English wingers from both sides – Phil Foden, 23, and 22-year-old Bukayo Saka – with both players having outstanding campaigns for their respective clubs.
While admitting neither is of world-class stature yet, the 51-year-old believes the City winger is close to a similar ‘undroppable’ status held by his Gunners counterpart.
He said: “Foden’s on his way to be it. It’s a big thing to say, world class. He’s such a good player to watch and he’s been learning off so many good midfielders over the years.
“They looked after him as a youngster and now they’re really getting the bonuses of him playing well every week.
“Saka is a great player as well. I’m sure he’ll be world class very soon, and people around the world are saying these two youngsters are unbelievable.
“That just shows how important he is to the team – and Mikel Arteta can’t really leave him out.
“If Saka’s fit, they’ve got to play him.”