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Former Arsenal Star Ray Parlour: 'Arsene Wenger's Current Team Can't Be Bullied'
Gunners have the stomach for a fight...
Jan 30, 2010 3:44:00 PM
By David Middleton
Arsenal have more in their armoury than just skill and can't be bullied out of the title race, according to former Gunner's midfield maestro Ray Parlour.
The former Highbury legend, who played more than 450 times during 13-years at the north London club, believes the current crop will not be out-fought by opponents in their battle for the Premier League crown this season.
Over previous campaigns Arsene Wenger's youngsters have looked susceptible to the 'rough and tumble' approach used against them. However, Parlour now believes they possess a physical presence and the stomach for a fight.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I think maybe over the last two seasons Arsenal have been bullied by teams – but I think they look a lot tougher this season.
“You could see that in the games against Bolton [Wanderers] recently because Arsenal stood up to everything that was thrown at them.
“Arsenal know teams are going to try and rough them up and that's part of the game – but they can get stuck in too.
“You need characters in your team – and Arsenal have got that. When I won trophies there [at Arsenal] we had the mentality of 'no matter what you do you're not going to beat us'.
“It looks like Arsenal have got that and that's why they've got a chance.”
Arsenal, who sit third in the league, just two points behind Chelsea, host Manchester United on Sunday afternoon having not lost on home soil to the Red Devils in the Premier League since February 2005.
The former Highbury legend, who played more than 450 times during 13-years at the north London club, believes the current crop will not be out-fought by opponents in their battle for the Premier League crown this season.
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Over previous campaigns Arsene Wenger's youngsters have looked susceptible to the 'rough and tumble' approach used against them. However, Parlour now believes they possess a physical presence and the stomach for a fight.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I think maybe over the last two seasons Arsenal have been bullied by teams – but I think they look a lot tougher this season.
“You could see that in the games against Bolton [Wanderers] recently because Arsenal stood up to everything that was thrown at them.
“Arsenal know teams are going to try and rough them up and that's part of the game – but they can get stuck in too.
“You need characters in your team – and Arsenal have got that. When I won trophies there [at Arsenal] we had the mentality of 'no matter what you do you're not going to beat us'.
“It looks like Arsenal have got that and that's why they've got a chance.”
Arsenal, who sit third in the league, just two points behind Chelsea, host Manchester United on Sunday afternoon having not lost on home soil to the Red Devils in the Premier League since February 2005.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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