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Parlour Reckons Arsène Wenger Gets The Right Response
Former Gunner Ray Parlour believes Arsène Wenger's furious half-time outburst at Anfield could prove to be the catalyst that inspires the Gunners to success this season. The Frenchman was so angry with the first-half performance against Liverpool, which allowed Liverpool to move into a 1-0 lead that he accused his players of not being fit to wear the Arsenal shirt - but it had the desired effect as they stormed back in rousing style to claim a crucial 2-1 victory.
More importantly the three points - secured by a Glen Johnson own goal and a superb strike from Andrey Arshavin - saw Arsenal reclaim third spot in the Premier League table and capitalise on Chelsea being held 3-3 at home to Everton and Manchester United's surprise 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
Parlour feels Wenger had every right to blast the players for a limp first 45 minutes at Anfield and believes such a tirade is far more effective coming from a manager who is so often considered to be mild mannered. He said: "The first half was quite poor from Arsenal's point of view and sometimes you've got to make your feelings known.
"I remember playing at Old Trafford once when we were 5-1 down at half-time and the manager went mad. We had effectively already lost that game but on Sunday it was different because he knew Liverpool were there for the taking.
"It probably doesn't suit him to go mad but that's why the players responded. It shocked them because they probably hadn't seen it before.
"The good thing about Arsène Wenger is that he's a very passionate man and he would have known it was a great opportunity to get back in the title race after Manchester United lost and Chelsea drew the day before.
"He was probably right to say they weren't good enough to wear an Arsenal shirt and he then got the answer he wanted from them.
"They showed great character, which some people didn't think they had, to get back into the game because Anfield is such a hard place to play and Arsène will be delighted with their response.
"He's not going to go mad every week - sometimes he doesn't need to. On Sunday the urgency, the passing, the movement and the support up to the front was non-existent so he had to get his point across, however he did it, and the players then proved they could do it.
"It doesn't mean he'll do it every week - only when he has to do it. Usually we're out there creating lots of chances. Another time I remember we were losing 2-0 at home to Aston Villa back at Highbury in 2001 and he said 'well done, keep it going'. We were a little shocked but he knew we were creating so many chances and it was only a matter of time before we got one back and we ended up winning 3-2."
Parlour now insists Arsenal can now kick on from such a morale-boosting result but warns they must not let it go to waste when they face weaker opponents throughout the remainder of the season.
"It puts Arsenal back in the hunt because you have to be there or thereabouts and not fall too far behind," said Parlour, who was part of three title-winning sides during his long career at Arsenal. "It all comes down to who is most consistent and who can grind out the most results.
"You don't see Chelsea or Manchester United losing many games or drawing at home so these three points have put them right back in the title race. If they win their game in hand, which is against Bolton, and then they are only three points behind the leaders. There's everything to play for whereas this time last year they were out of it already.
"If they can stay in touch until February/March time then hopefully they can then go on and push for the title.”
Parlour also believes they have the depth and quality in the squad to challenge for European honours.
He said: "I think to win the Champions League you do need a bit more luck and obviously much will depend on the draw and what players you have out injured at the time of the games.
"Refereeing decisions can prove crucial and knock you out in one go whereas in the league, usually this all evens itself out over the season.
"But looking at the whole squad I really fancy our chances. Obviously the loss of Robin van Persie is a major blow but I'm sure Arsène Wenger will address that in January, even it's someone on loan, but I'm really confident they can go far in the competition."
Some critics believe Wenger needs to bring a bit more brawn into the squad in the January transfer window to complement their attacking flair in a bid to end their trophy drought dating back to their FA Cup success in 2005 - but Parlour believes the set-up is almost complete.
He said: "I think in January they'll need to bring in a forward and maybe a centre-half, although Alex Song can probably drop back there if he needs to.
"The way they play is exciting but for me the job Alex Song has done in the holding midfielder role has been excellent while Thomas Vermaelen is proving to be great signing for us with plenty of experience.
"I can't question or judge how Arsène Wenger wants to play and who he wants to play because he's been such a great manager.
"Some might say they need a bit more muscle but only time will tell and if they win the league this year then Arsène Wenger has proved everybody wrong."
By Terry Dennis
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On this day in 1931
1931 - Centre forward Jimmy Brain moved to Tottenham Hotspur. He scored 125 times in 204 League games for the Gunners.
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