“I don’t think this team would eclipse the Invincibles if they won both trophies,” says Arsenal legend
· Yahoo Sports
With Arsenal now just two games away from securing a Premier League and UEFA Champions League double, Ray Parlour revealed what “bugged” manager Arsène Wenger and assessed whether Mikel Arteta’s side could eclipse the 2003/04 Invincibles.
Arsenal’s 1-0 win against Burnley on Monday night kept the Gunners in control of their own destiny, and now a win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on the final day of the season would confirm Mikel Arteta’s men as Premier League champions regardless of results elsewhere.
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They could be crowned sooner, though, as it would become mathematically impossible for Manchester City to lift the trophy if they drop points against Bournemouth on Tuesday.
It is shaping up to be an exciting end to the season for the North London club, who also have a UEFA Champions League final on the horizon.
But Ray Parlour, who made 466 appearances for the Gunners during his playing career, suggested that even winning a first Champions League title might not be enough for the current squad to eclipse the Invincibles as the best-ever Arsenal side.
The 53-year-old told 10bet: “I don’t think this team would eclipse the Invincibles if they won both trophies.
“I might be totally wrong, but I don’t think they’ll ever be matched because you look at how competitive the league is now; it’s very difficult. All I can say is it’d be the first ever manager to win a Champions League for Arsenal, which would be an amazing achievement.
Parlour revealed that Arsenal’s failure to win European silverware two decades ago “bugged” the players and coaching staff, including legendary manager Arsène Wenger.
“That was always what bugged us—the teams I played in—and it bugged Arsène as well because we knew we were a very good side, but we just didn’t conquer Europe.
“We got to quarter-finals, and there was a route where we could have gone to the semis against Leeds United in 2001, and that will always play on people’s minds who played in that era because we certainly should have won more European trophies. Definitely.”
And while Arsenal fans will be hoping that they’re able to get over the line on Sunday at Selhurst Park, some may have one eye on results elsewhere. Tottenham’s Premier League status still hangs in the balance, with the Lilywhites needing to take at least a point from Tuesday’s meeting with Chelsea to avoid a nervy final day.
But Parlour insisted: “It’s a rivalry, but you’ve got to think about yourselves; don’t worry about what happens elsewhere.
“It’d be a disaster for Spurs, don’t get me wrong – what with the stadium and all that, but I would always say [focus on] Arsenal winning the league all day long. It’s all about yourselves and celebrating that.
“Whatever happens down the bottom can sort itself out; you just worry about yourselves and make sure you win that title. I’m sure hopefully a lot of Arsenal fans will be in my camp there!”