Ray Parlour: Arsenal have best squad since 2004 vintage, but are not yet invincible
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ByEurosport
Updated 27/07/2015 at 12:34 GMT
Arsenal's £10m signing of goalkeeper Petr Cech from Chelsea provides Arsene Wenger with his finest squad since 'The Invincibles', according to former midfielder Ray Parlour.
2003-04 Premier League Arsenal celebrate winning trophy
Image credit: PA Photos
Parlour played in the last Arsenal side to win the Premier League title in 2004 as Wenger's side ended their league campaign without a defeat, and has real optimism the club are making progress after winning back-to-back FA Cups over the past two seasons.
He made 466 appearances for the club, but has a special affinity for the 2003/04 season when Arsenal compiled 26 wins and 12 draws from 38 matches in the Premier League.
“It’s definitely the best squad since the Invincibles," Parlour told the Mirror.
"They need to steer clear of injuries. Last season, if the injury list was a bit lighter at certain times then they would have been a lot closer.
“The most important thing in any squad is to have the right team spirit and harmony. Everyone has to be pulling in the same direction.
"You can’t have some not getting on with others, a personal feud or something like that.
At the moment, it’s the best I’ve seen in terms of team spirit for a long time. I think now, winning the two FA Cups, they believe they can go to the next level which, for me, is winning the league. That’s the most important trophy. That shows you how consistent you are throughout the season.
Arsenal's signing of Petr Cech for £10 million from Chelsea is every bit as important as the role David Seaman and Jens Lehmann had to play during his days at the club.
"I don’t think you can win the league if you haven’t got a top class goalkeeper,” said Parlour. “I was lucky to play with David Seaman and Jens Lehmann. When David Seaman went, we all thought: ‘how can you replace him?’ Luckily enough, Jens came in. He is such a big character.
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Arsenal's Petr Cech (C) before the Barclays Asia Trophy Final
Image credit: Reuters
“Petr Cech is experienced, has won everything, been involved in massive games which is so important. "He’ll be involved in the dressing room, helping the youngsters, helping people who have not gone as far as Chelsea when he played for them.
“He’s a proven keeper and I still think he’s a good age. I look at Van Der Sar, he turned up at Manchester United at 35 years old and you think: ‘can he still do it?’ He was superb for the next three or four seasons. I think it’s a massive signing."
But Parlour also feels Arsenal remain without the necessary quality in defence and midfield to ensure they can keep pace with Chelsea and Manchester City in their quest for the title.
Southampton midfieder Morgan Schneiderlin joined Manchester United despite being linked with a move to the Emirates.
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Arsenal goalscorers Ray Parlour and Fredrik Ljungberg celebrate with the cup
Image credit: PA Photos
Parlour feels Arsenal should have made more of an effort to land the France player, who apparently favoured playing under Wenger's style.
“Maybe they need a few more as well," said Parlour. "I was hoping that they’d get Morgan Schneiderlin. I’ve watched him a few times this year. I watched him at St Mary’s against Chelsea which is always a good test, to put him against the best.
“I would still look at that position and also centre half as well. I know there’s Chambers who could emerge as a top centre half. Not really seen a lot of Gabriel yet. Then Mertesacker and Koscielny would probably be first choice.”
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