Ray Parlour has refused to criticise Arsenal for their approach towards the ‘dark arts’ as the Gunners look to win a first Premier League title since 2004.
The north London giants have picked up 17 points from seven matches so far, with only Liverpool gaining more.
Last month, Arsenal battled to a 2-2 draw against Manchester City.
The Gunners were 2-1 up at half time and, after having Leandro Trossard dismissed, then set up shop in the second half.
Ray Parlour has refused to criticise Arsenal for their ‘dark arts’ as the Gunners target a first Premier League trophy since 2004GETTY
Arsenal attempted to wind down the clock, with some fans believing they overstepped the mark.
Youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly even received a yellow card after urging David Raya to waste time.
Parlour, speaking exclusively to GB News via NetBet Online Casino, believes Arsenal’s tactics are necessary sometimes.
He insists winning, and getting a result, is all that matters.
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“Some games it doesn’t matter how you win, just get over the line,” said the former midfielder.
“If you win the Premier League, no one remembers a win you ground out in September, or a draw you managed to get in October.”
One player who has dazzled for Arsenal this season is Kai Havertz.
The Germany international was widely scrutinised when he first joined the club from Chelsea back in the summer transfer window of 2023.
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Havertz has since silenced his critics, however, scoring four goals from seven matches.
One of those came on Saturday, with the Gunners surviving a scare to come from behind to beat Southampton 3-1.
And Parlour believes ‘love’ is key to the forward’s improvement under Mikel Arteta.
“He is feeling the love, and you can see he is playing with freedom and so much confidence,” he added.
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Ray Parlour has been impressed by Kai Havertz’s performances this season and believes ‘love’ is key to his improvement
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“He has a great relationship with the players on the pitch and is always in the right position.
“Arsenal has a clear way of playing and Kai is fundamental to the way the team are playing and creating chances.
“Arsenal are a team with a confidence about them and Kai fits so well into this.”
Another big player for Arsenal this season has been David Raya.
Ray Parlour believes David Raya has come good for Arsenal amid their Premier League title quest
PA
Like Havertz, he initially experienced a difficult start to life at the Emirates after touching down last year.
So far this term, however, the 29-year-old hasn’t put a foot wrong.
And Parlour believes the Spaniard is up there with the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, with the Arsenal icon adding:
“David is most definitely in the frame for this for sure. He has started the season so well and Arteta’s decision has been vindicated,” he continued. “Raya won golden glove last year and is showing huge confidence so far this season.