Ray Parlour has insisted Arsenal can still win the Premier League title this season – despite Liverpool currently sitting six points behind Liverpool at the summit.
The Gunners will face Everton on Saturday knowing they can’t afford to drop more points as they target a first league crown since 2004.
Liverpool have been nothing short of sensational this term, having won 14 of their 11 matches since the appointment of Arne Slot back in the summer.
Some feel Arsenal are already out of the title race given how they trail the Merseyside giants by six points, having played one game more.
Arsenal news: Ray Parlour has defended Kai Havertz and backed the German to produce for the Gunners as they look to win the Premier League title
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Yet Parlour, speaking exclusively to GB News via NetBet Sports Betting, has insisted there’s plenty of games to go – and that Mikel Arteta’s team can’t be ruled out.
“No, there is still plenty of games left and Liverpool still have to play some tough games away from home,” he said when asked if the title race was already over.
“It was a frustrating game for Arsenal on Sunday at Fulham as they failed to capitalise on all the possession they had, but ultimately didn’t create enough to win the game.
“Arsenal must bounce back with a win at home to Everton and have a good set of games over the festive period to record quite a few wins to still be in the title race as we enter the start of 2025.
“Liverpool are firm favourites now and Arsenal are playing catch up, but it’s definitely not over.”
After Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Fulham last weekend, some fans were quick to target Kai Havertz.
The Germany international has improved during his 18 months working under Arteta but still isn’t considered world class by large sections of the fanbase.
Fans have been calling for Arsenal to sign a new No 9 when the transfer window reopens next month.
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Yet Parlour has backed Havertz and insists the former Chelsea forward will produce some big moments between now and the end of the campaign.
“Absolutely he is good enough. Havertz has been a brilliant signing for Arsenal,” he continued.
“His goal contributions have been instrumental to Arsenal going so close last season.
“Plus at the start of this season he has delivered again. With no real back up striker to come in, he has played a lot and this may have caused him to drop off a little, but he is very much a vital part of Arsenal’s trophy hunt this season and a huge player.
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“He brings so much to the team and there is no doubt he will get crucial goals between now and the end of the season.”
With the January transfer window creeping closer, it’ll be fascinating to see which clubs decide to recruit.
And though Parlour is a huge fan of Havertz, he does believe a fresh marksman is required as Arsenal look to end 21 years of hurt in 2025.
“I’ve said it many times, Arsenal do need to invest in a striker to relieve the pressure on Havertz,” he said.
Arsenal news: Ray Parlour has called on Mikel Arteta to splash the cash on a new forward in the January transfer window
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“He is the No 1 striker and rightly so, he contributes massively, but Arsenal need back up who are ready to come on and score and also take the lead role when needed.
“I am not sure what striker is available, but it would be a priority for me that Arsenal invest here as they do need another option.
“[Gabriel] Jesus needs to be more influential when he comes on and has his chance, so back up quality can help Arsenal.”
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