Ray Parlour has defended Arsenal players after they caused controversy by mocking Erling Haaland in their emphatic 5-1 victory over Manchester City last weekend.
The Gunners ran riot at the Emirates Stadium, producing a stunning display as they kept pace with Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table.
Myles Lewis-Skelly raised eyebrows by deciding to mimick Haaland’s trademark celebration, with fans inside the Emirates Stadium loving every moment as they secured all three points.
However, Arsenal were then brought crashing back down to earth on Wednesday as they lost 2-0 to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup.
Ray Parlour has defended Arsenal players after they caused controversy by mocking Erling Haaland in their emphatic 5-1 victory over Manchester City last weekend
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Rival fans have started to pile in on Mikel Arteta’s side as a result.
But Parlour, speaking exclusively to GB News via NetBet Sports Betting, has now insisted their antics are ‘fine’ – so long as they don’t cross a line.
“It’s fine. You have rivalries in football and City have got the better of Arsenal in the league the past two seasons,” he said.
“Now for Arsenal it was important to show they are still in the title race with a big win over Man City.
“We had big rivalry with Manchester United over the years and it’s always important to get one over your rivals, but at the same time, keep working hard at your game. As long as it doesn’t go over the line, then it’s fine.
“Football is an emotional game and the fans were loud on Sunday, it was a good day for Arsenal to now build on this.”
After the game, Arteta told players to tone down their behaviour.
And Parlour thinks the Spaniard was right to make those comments, adding: “As a manager, you want your players to focus on the game as No 1 so I see where Mikel is coming from for sure. You must concentrate on the game itself and not worry about anything else.
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“This is so important to focus on what is going on the pitch and not get caught up in anything that could distract you.”
While Lewis-Skelly’s decision to mock Haaland caused controversy, he’s already made a big impression at the club.
As a product of the Gunners academy, he’s got the backing of supporters to establish himself as a regular in the coming years ahead.
And Parlour thinks the midfielder has a high ceiling, with the Arsenal legend adding: “Myles is a great lad.
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Myles Lewis-Skelly has been backed for a bright future by Arsenal legend Ray Parlour
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“A well grounded young man. I have met him a few times now, and his Mum at a Dennis Bergkamp event at the Landmark and they are very positive about Myles having the right support network around him.
“The club think wonders of him and to show his calmness and having no fear going into such a big game is testament to Myles.
“He has to keep working hard, day in day out at training, keep learning from coaches and listening to older players.
“He has a very bright future and can be another one of the Hale End boys who goes onto have a great career.
Ray Parlour believes Arsenal must build on their Premier League win over Man City last weekend
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“But he must stay hard working and there is no better place than Arsenal to be at right now, fighting for all major competitions.”
Arsenal are next in action against Leicester on Saturday (12.30pm).