Former Arsenal star Ray Parlour has backed the Gunners to finish above Chelsea in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta's side have been in fine form since New Year's Day, and have won their past five games in the league.
Following a dominating 2-0 victory over Leicester City on Sunday, Arsenal currently sit fourth in the league, eight points behind third-placed Chelsea, who are in decent form themselves. Ahead of Arsenal's clash with Liverpool on Wednesday evening, Parlour, who made more than 300 appearances for the Gunners, has backed his old side to finish the season strongly.
Speaking to the Design Museum to celebrate the launch of its new exhibition, Football: Designing the Beautiful Game, Parlour said: "I make Arsenal favourites to finish in the top 4 and above the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham and West Ham. Arsenal have found form at the right time and now they’re in pole position to win that race, especially with a couple of games in hand as well.
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"I actually think Arsenal should have one eye on Chelsea as I think they could even finish in third place, if a couple of results go their way. It's definitely worked in Arsenal’s favour that we can focus purely on that race to finish in the top 4.
"You have Chelsea and Manchester United still competing in the Champions League, while West Ham will be motivated to go as far as they can in the Europa League as well. Arsenal have the benefit of plenty of rest between games and lots of time on the training pitch, which is so important for preparation and recovery at this stage in the season."
Arsenal fans will be hoping Parlour is indeed correct, especially as they face Jurgen Klopp's impressive Liverpool side on Wednesday evening. Arteta will want to beat Klopp's side to help the Gunners' chances of finishing in the top four, while the Reds know a win can move them within one point of Manchester City.
Arteta was asked in his pre-match press conference if he thinks being favourites for the top four, ahead of Tottenham, Man United, West Ham and Wolves, puts pressure on him and his side. "Well, that’s the pressure of playing for this club, to be the best and we’re not there yet," he said.
"If the objective is that, it’s not pressure, it has to be a motivation, a challenge and a clear understanding that the purpose to play for this club is only to be the best and what we’ve done so far means absolutely nothing and I think everybody has to be encouraged and empowered by the possibility to find ways to improve and get better."
