Exclusive: Ray Parlour says Arsenal's win over Manchester City should ease attacking concerns

Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour says the manner of his old side's victory over Manchester City should hush any concerns over their attacking options.

The Gunners romped to a 5-1 home win against the reigning champions on Sunday to keep pace with Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Martin Odegaard opened the scoring in the second minute after a City mishap at the back, before Erling Haaland levelled the game ten minutes after half-time.

Arsenal weren't to be denied however and added further goals through Thomas Partery, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kai Havertz and Ethan Nwaneri to take all three points at the Emirates.

They remain six points behind table-topping Liverpool, who won 2-0 at Bournemouth the previous day and also have an extra game to play.

Ray Parlour says concerns over Arsenal's attacking options should be eased after Man City win

Arsenal fans headed into the January transfer window baying for a new forward after being left frustrated by some of the Gunners' performances in front of goal.

Mikel Arteta's men remain the second-highest scorers in the English top-flight but have at times struggled to get over the line in tight matches.

Eight draws have particularly proved problematic for Arsenal, who reportedly made a late move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins during the final days of the winter window but nothing developed from it.

Speaking exclusively to Odds Now via NetBet Online Casino, Parlour insists the nature of their recent victory over the current champions should boost confidence ahead of the final four months of the campaign.

He said: "I was at the game on Sunday and it was a big win for Arsenal on a number of levels. To score five, [with] two of the goals coming from two up and coming youngsters, [as well as] Havertz and Odegaard scoring too.

"The way Arsenal played in the second half was huge, so credit to the team for a great win and the fans loved it. The stadium was rocking and [it was] great to be in attendance.

Arsenal's 5-1 win over Manchester City saw them maintain pace with league leaders Liverpool. (Photo credit: Alamy Images)

When asked, Parlour also says more faith should be put in the Gunners' frontline after a clinical performance in front of goal on Sunday afternoon.

"Yes, for sure. Arsenal can score goals from all over the pitch.

This was a good day, they can go on now and with the squad they have, [they can] do well for the rest of the season in the Premier League and Champions League.

"It’s the business end soon, so no slip ups can happen. They must focus on themselves and see if Liverpool hand them a chance."

'Scoring first will be crucial in Carabao Cup second leg'

As well as chasing a first league title in 21 years, Arsenal are also vying for glory in the Carabao Cup.

However, they must first find a way to overturn a 2-0 deficit from their semi-final first leg with Newcastle.

The Magpies sunk Arteta's crop in the capital a month ago, courtesy of goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, before returning for the second leg at St James' Park on Wednesday evening.

Arsenal's recent record in the fixture isn't exactly convincing. Three of their last four visits to the stadium have ended in defeat, including a 1-0 loss at the start of November.

However, Newcastle have lost each of their last two home matches while Arsenal head into the game having recorded four victories on the spin.

The recent form of each side will boost the visitors, but Parlour is adamant his old side must open the scoring if they are to stand a chance of featuring in the final at Wembley next month.

Newcastle take a healthy lead back to St James' Park following strikes from Isak and Gordon last month. (Photo credit: Alamy Images)

He said: "Arsenal must score first, [it's as] simple as that. If Newcastle score first then it’s going to be really difficult as their defence is good and with that crowd behind them, it will be rocking.

"But if Arsenal score first then it’s game on. Newcastle will be reluctant to go forward and look to hold onto their lead, so it’s going to be a good game and I hope Arsenal can do the business."

Arteta's side are currently available at a best price of 4/1 with multiple sportsbooks to qualify, while hosts Newcastle come in very short at 1/6.

Landing some form of silverware will be vital for the Spanish manager this term and Arsenal currently sit at an odds-against 11/8 to win a major trophy.

They are firm second-favourites in the title race though, sitting at 18/5 following the win over City. Liverpool remain firm favourites at 2/7.

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