Ray Parlour has responded to fellow talkSPORT host Adrian Durham’s claim that Arsenal can challenge for the Premier League title this season.
The mood is high at the Emirates Stadium after the club’s perfect start to the campaign, with two wins from two, and their successful transfer window.
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Unai Emery strengthened his attack, midfield and defence this summer and club director Josh Kroenke insists the club expect to be challenging for top honours again after spending over £100million on new players.
Those views were echoed by Drivetime host Adrian Durham, who has claimed Arsenal are the ‘only’ other club that can compete with Manchester City and Liverpool this term.
But Gunners legend Parlour says his former club are ‘a million miles away’ from the title favourites and reveals he’d be ‘delighted’ if they manage only a top four finish.
Speaking on Tuesday’s Drive show, Durham said: “The only side other than Man City and Liverpool that can the Premier League title, for me, is Arsenal.
“They had Aubameyang and Lacazette and they’ve added Pepe – they’ve got goals galore in their team – and they have also strengthened their defence and midfield.
“Meanwhile, Manchester City are weaker with Vincent Kompany gone and Liverpool did not add significantly to their squad. Are we expecting their front three to last all season, bearing in mind their excursions over the summer?”
Parlour disagreed on Wednesday’s Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast: “I heard a few shows yesterday saying we can challenge for the league, but they’re a million miles away from Man City and Liverpool at the moment, if I‘m honest.
“How many Arsenal players would get into the Liverpool team?
“The most important think is getting back into the Champions League. Maybe they could push a bit higher, but if they get fourth place this season I’d be delighted.
“A lot of fans gave their season tickets back this summer. There were no signings and if you want to get in that top four you need to get players in to give them a chance of competing
“At one stage it looked like Arsenal weren’t going to get anybody, it was a bit worrying.
“In the end it was a decent transfer window for Arsenal and a lot of fans are excited about going into the new season.
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“But they are so far behind Manchester City and Liverpool at the moment.
“They’ve started well with a good away win at Newcastle and they got the job done at the weekend against Burnley, but really they are two games they were expected to win, so I’m not getting carried away.”
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