Exclusive: Arsenal duo tipped for Player of the Season so far | OneFootball

Exclusive: Arsenal legend Ray Parlour heaps praise on defensive duo

It has been an extraordinary start to the season for Arsenal, currently sitting three points clear at the top of the Premier League table after eight games.

Despite the attacking quality of the likes of Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze, it’s once again Arsenal’s defence that are deservedly receiving the plaudits.

Mikel Arteta’s side have been almost impossible to break through this season and it shows with just three goals conceded in the Premier League so far.

That includes five clean sheets in the eight games so far.

Arsenal legend Ray Parlour, speaking exclusively to EPL Index, named two players who have especially caught his eye so far this season.

Player of the Season?

“Defensively, Arsenal have been brilliant again,” said Parlour, “We know what Gabriel and William Saliba can do and they’ve kept performing at that high level.”

“Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber have both been very good and could be joint players of the season so far,” continued Parlour, “They have been equally as impressive going forward as they have been defensively too.”

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But it wasn’t just the defenders that Parlour was keen to praise, as he also pointed out two midfielders that have been crucial to Arsenal’s success so far this season.

“Martin Zubimendi has settled in really well and already looks like he is really enjoying the Premier League,” said Parlour, “Declan Rice is all over the pitch as he always is and is crucial to the club.”

Arsenal title favourites?

Liverpool’s shock defeat to Manchester United at Anfield leaves them four points behind the Gunners. On current form, the title is surely Arsenal’s to lose but there’s still a long way to go yet.

As Parlour rightly points out, the backline of Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel and Calafiori will be crucial to any title pursuit.

The jury is still out for Viktor Gyokeres, who joined for £60m from Sporting CP in the summer, but if he can get firing then Arsenal will certainly look the real deal.