Ray Parlour believes Arsenal should forget about finishing in the top four this season after the Gunners defeat to West Ham over the weekend.
Unai Emery’s side lost 1-0 to the Hammers at the London Stadium on Saturday and are now six points adrift of fourth placed Chelsea who beat Newcastle 2-1 later that day.
Since losing their 22-game unbeaten run in all competitions in December to Southampton, the Gunners have won just two of their last six matches – Burnley at home and Blackpool in the FA Cup.
And Parlour now believes Arsenal should forget about their aspirations of attaining a top four finish this season and focus on the FA Cup and Europa League instead.
Speaking to talkSPORT after the defeat to West Ham, the former Arsenal midfielder said:
“Poor performance from Arsenal but for me it’s all about the cups this year.
“Realistically, top four would have been so difficult to make with the teams they’re up against with Chelsea and Tottenham going well and watching Liverpool beat Brighton and Man City. United could go on a run with their new manager in tow.
“I’m looking at the Europa League from Arsenal’s point of view and the FA Cup.
“Over the years the FA Cup has probably kept Arsene Wenger in a job so these are the sort of trophies they’ve got to try and win this year.”
Arsenal can still finish in the top four, but with recent performances, injuries and lack of funds available to Emery this month, it does look a tall order for the Gunners.
However, there are 16 games to go in the Premier League and anything is possible. The FA Cup and Europa League should be Arsenal’s main priorities this season and if they can clinch a top four spot along the way then that would be a major bonus for the club.
