Thursday 15 October 2015 12:23, UK
Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour believes the Gunners have a "good chance" of winning the Premier League title this year, but says keeping key players fit is vital.
Arsene Wenger's side thrashed Manchester United 3-0 in the Premier League before the international break to lift them up to second in the Premier League table, where they currently sit two points behind leaders Manchester City.
And Parlour told Sky Sports News HQ that if Arsenal can stay in contention until the title run-in, they'll have every chance of lifting the trophy in May.
"I think the most important thing for Arsenal is being involved around March or April time to be in with a chance of winning it," said Parlour. "Over the last few seasons they've seemed to drop off.
"It was a huge game against Manchester United, bouncing back from Olympiakos, they had to get a result and start quickly. Theo Walcott is playing well at the moment up front, and he's got competition from Olivier Giroud, who scored for France in midweek.
"So everything is going well for Arsene [Wenger] at the moment but the key is keeping players fit, (if they do) I think they'll have a good chance this year."
Parlour was full of praise for forward Alexis Sanchez, who has fitness concerns heading into Saturday's trip to Watford following the international break.
The forward started both games for Chile and scored three times, despite picking up a hip injury in Arsenal's win over Manchester United.
Parlour said: "He is in great scoring form at the moment, with his hat-trick against Leicester and the goals against Manchester United, and he's carried that on (for Chile). He's such a key player for Arsenal, the way he plays with his energy and the goals he's scoring from the left-hand side. He's huge for them.
"He had a slow start, but he's really improved in the last few weeks and he'll want to play every game."
Parlour expects a tough challenge for Arsenal at Watford on Saturday Night Football, but believes his former club will prevail and get the victory at Vicarage Road.
"It's going to be tough, Watford are very resilient and tough to beat," he said. "They'll be sitting off Arsenal and letting them have a lot of possession, then probably try and nick a goal via a set play.
"They are pretty good against the bigger sides this season, but it's away from home where you've got to be a bit tougher at times and stick in there. But I expect them to get all three points."
