Exclusive: Ray Parlour Reacts to Arsenal’s ‘Brilliant’ Newcastle United Win | OneFootball

Exclusive: Ray Parlour Heaps Praise on Arsenal after ‘Brilliant’ Newcastle United Victory

Despite a promising start in terms of performances, Arsenal had a stuttering start to their Premier League campaign in terms of results. A defeat to Liverpool and a draw with Manchester City not only left the Gunners five points behind the reigning champions, but also left people questioning the mentality of Mikel Arteta’s side.

But Sunday’s win over Newcastle United has silenced a lot of those doubts. Arsenal started the game brightly with Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze having a handful of chances to take the lead. They almost had a penalty after Viktor Gyokeres was brought down by Nick Pope.

However, despite their early dominance, they fell behind as Nick Woltemade headed home from a well-worked set-piece.

It took until the 85th minute for Arsenal to respond as super-sub Mikel Merino flicked home a Declan Rice cross.

That was followed by a dramatic winner from Gabriel in the 96th minute as he headed home a Martin Odegaard corner to seal all three points.

After Liverpool’s defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday, Arsenal sit just two points behind Arne Slot’s side after six games.

Arsenal legend Ray Parlour spoke exclusively to EPL Index and shared his thoughts on the crucial victory…

Photo: IMAGO

Arsenal ‘battled all the way to the end’

“What a brilliant win for Arsenal yesterday,” said Parlour, “Over the moon with the win and the way it came about.”

“Arsenal played really well, they attacked from the start and were on the front foot, determined all the way through the game.”

“You are always going to suffer at parts during the game, but the resilience was evident, and they battled all the way to the end.”

Parlour also spoke on the controversial decision to overturn Arsenal’s penalty shout in the first-half after it was deemed that Nick Pope had got a touch on the ball before knocking Gyokeres off balance.

“The penalty decision was a tough one to take, and then going a goal down,” said Parlour, “But it shows what a terrific squad we have this season, that the changed made a massive difference and Merino with the goal and Odegaard with his performance was crucial in the win.”

Capitalising on Liverpool’s Slip-up

Although we’re still very early in the season, every point matters just the same. Liverpool suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday, with former Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah scoring a 97th minute winner in that game.

Should Arsenal have failed to mount a comeback at St. James’ Park, it would have been a massive missed opportunity for Arteta’s side. Those missed opportunities were huge in seeing the Premier League title swing towards Merseyside last season.

“And with Liverpool dropping points, it was really important to close the gap, even at this stage of the season.”

Now, Arsenal turn their attention to the UEFA Champions League as they face Olympiacos on Wednesday, before hosting West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday. With Liverpool facing two tricky away tests against Galatasaray and Chelsea, this week could be huge for the Gunners.