Ray Parlour believes Arsenal are contenders for the Premier League title this season.
In contrast to a disastrous start in their UEFA Champions League campaign, Arsene Wenger’s side sit second in the domestic competition, two points behind Manchester City.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the former Arsenal midfielder said if the Gunners can keep key players fit and be among the challengers after Christmas, they are capable of ending a decade-long hunt for a league title.
I think the most important thing for Arsenal is being involved around March or April time to be in with a chance of winning it. Over the last few seasons they’ve seemed to drop off.
It was a huge game against Manchester United, bouncing back from Olympiacos, they had to get a result and start quickly. Everything is going well for Arsene [Wenger] at the moment but the key is keeping players fit. [if they do] I think they’ll have a good chance this year.
A three-time league champion under Wenger in his career, Parlour insists a lot of their hopes are pinned on Alexis Sanchez.
The Chilean has hit a goal-scoring streak which continued for his national side, despite limping off during his last appearance in an Arsenal shirt against Manchester United – making it nine goals in five games.
It is unclear whether Alexis will be fit for the trip to Watford this weekend, but Parlour was glowing in his praise for the winger and expects an Arsenal win.
He is in great scoring form at the moment, with his hat-trick against Leicester and the goals against Manchester United, and he’s carried that on [for Chile].
He’s such a key player for Arsenal. The way he plays with his energy and the goals he’s scoring from the left-hand side. He’s huge for them.
It’s going to be tough, Watford are very resilient and tough to beat. They’ll be sitting off Arsenal and letting them have a lot of possession, then probably try and nick a goal via a set play.
But I expect them [Arsenal] to get all three points.
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