Arsenal legend Parlour names the two Spurs players he thinks would get in Arteta’s side | OneFootball

Arsenal legend Ray Parlour says only two of Tottenham’s players would get in the Arsenal starting 11.

The two north London rivals face off on Wednesday night with Arsenal looking to bounce back from defeats to Newcastle and Manchester United, while Spurs need a strong run of form to get back into the race for a European spot.

Parlour, who spent 12 years at Arsenal between 1992 and 2004, has featured in many north London derbies during his career.

And asked which of the current Spurs players would get into the Arsenal team, he told Hayters TV in association with NetBet Online Casino: “I’d rather Odegaard over Maddison, so he wouldn’t be in the team.

“Where we’re lacking at the moment, probably maybe Solanke, if he’s on his game.

“I mean, defensively, I do like Van de Ven. I think he’s a decent player. But, again, I wouldn’t have him in front of Gabriel or Saliba with the partnership they’ve shown.

“Th Arsenal full-backs are pretty good with Timber and whoever plays at left-back.

“I think Kulusevski has had a decent season for Tottenham. Maybe he gets in on one of the wide areas.

“Son’s not been great this year, has he? He’s getting a little bit too old.

“When Saka’s fit he plays on the right-hand side. Maybe on that left-hand side, I like Martinelli, but Kulusevski’s done well. I think he’s a dangerous player.

“Yeah, so maybe him. But other than that, him and maybe Solanke.”

Arsenal won the earlier meeting between the two sides this season 1-0 thanks to a Gabriel goal.

And Parlour believes the Gunners can take advantage of an “inexperienced” Spurs back-line when they meet again, and also backed Havertz to make an impact following a disappointing game against Man Utd.

“The first goal is always very important, always,” he said. “They’ll bring all their big hitters back in. There’s no doubt about that. Maddison, Son, Solanke, Kulusevski. They’re decent going forward, to be fair. They’ve got firepower, but they do concede goals.

“I know they’ve done well against Liverpool, but they’ve got very inexperienced back four, haven’t they? I mean, Archie Gray and whoever plays alongside him. It’s Dragusin, isn’t it, at the moment.

“I think, again, you’ve got to have midfield runners. Everybody’s got to play their part on Wednesday. I think the midfield will be solid with Declan Rice. I can imagine Partey might come into central midfield instead of Jorginho.

“And then you’ve got other guys who’ve got to play well. And Havertz is the one who you really rely on. I’m sure he’s OK. I mean, as long as you’re getting in right positions and getting opportunities, then sooner or later you’re going to put one in the back of the net.

“So, that’s what he’s got to think before he goes into this game. If he can score a couple of goals, again, your confidence can change overnight.”