EXCLUSIVE: Parlour still confident of Arsenal title tilt after scrappy United win
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour still believes his former club are well positioned for a Premier League title challenge despite an underwhelming opening-day performance against Manchester United.
The Gunners beat their old foes 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday but were dominated for large periods after Riccardo Calafiori's early goal, which has led some pundits to question the Gunners' title credentials.
But Parlour, who played 446 times for the Gunners and won three top-flight titles in North London, believes getting a positive result despite being far from their best actually bodes well for Mikel Arteta's side.
Speaking exclusively to Odds Now on behalf of NetBet Sports Betting, Parlour said: "Old Trafford is always a tough place to go and play. So to get three points there whatever the situation is brilliant.
"I remember we won 1-0 to win the league at Old Trafford in 2002 and when you look at the results between the two over the years, it's always difficult – regardless of the situation.
"It’s a massive building block for the season and Arsenal know they can play better."
The Gunners struggled to get out of their half in the closing stages with new United signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha carving out plenty of opportunities.
But Parlour hailed the resolute work of Arsenal's midfield and backline, who weathered the storm to close things out with a clean sheet intact.
Parlour added: "Defensively, Arsenal were great. David Raya made a few good saves but you need that from your keeper.
"You have two new players to settle in too, so it’s all really positive. It’s such a long season and the improved squad depth will be key to Arsenal’s title hopes for sure.
"You see Mikel brought on full backs towards the end, he introduced [Mikel} Merino and [Noni] Madueke. That shows Arsenal now have the depth to compete, which is great.
"So I feel the same as I did before the game. Arsenal, with their new additions, have the depth to compete for the title for sure."
One of the North Londoners' most high-profile acquisitions this summer was Viktor Gyokeres, who arrived from Sporting Lisbon for an initial £55million fee.
The 27-year-old Swedish striker, who had a prolific spell at Championship side Coventry before joining Sporting, netted a remarkable 54 goals in 52 games last term in all competitions.
And despite suffering a very low-key Premier League debut at the weekend, Parlour is confident Arsenal's new No14 will find his feet soon.
He explained: "Gyokores will get so many chances to score. The way Arsenal dominate games, he will score plenty.
"It’s such a long season, there are so many games in all competitions, so I am sure he will get plenty of goals. It's very early days.
"What also helps him is that Arsenal will be competing on four fronts, so you're never too far away from another opportunity which is particularly helpful for strikers."
Matt Hill is Odds Now's Head of Content and leads our digital operation, while also offering his insight as a tipster across darts and football.
Having worked in the industry for the best part of a decade, including extended stints with Betfred and LiveScore, Matt joined the project in May 2024 with the sole aim of making Odds Now a key player in the betting content space.
He has also forged a reputation as a respected darts tipster, landing numerous three-figure outright winners over the years, while his love for lower league football also helps him pick out the odd obscure winner in that space.
When not at the editorial desk, Matt enjoys travelling the country supporting his beloved Carlisle United FC, chucking a few arrows and spending time with his young family.
Matt Hill is Odds Now's Head of Content and leads our digital operation, while also offering his insight as a tipster across darts and football.
Having worked in the industry for the best part of a decade, including extended stints with Betfred and LiveScore, Matt joined the project in May 2024 with the sole aim of making Odds Now a key player in the betting content space.
He has also forged a reputation as a respected darts tipster, landing numerous three-figure outright winners over the years, while his love for lower league football also helps him pick out the odd obscure winner in that space.
When not at the editorial desk, Matt enjoys travelling the country supporting his beloved Carlisle United FC, chucking a few arrows and spending time with his young family.
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