The defining nine

Stamford Bridge trip is Gunners' toughest test, says Ray

Last updated: 22nd January 2010  

The defining nine

Parlour: expecting big things

These are the four games where you say 'can Arsenal really do it this season?'

Ray Parlour
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Top-of-the-table Arsenal can take major strides towards their first Premier League crown since 2004 in their next four league games.

That's the view of Ray Parlour, who told Sky Sports News that the Gunners' title credentials will be fully tested in the next month.

Arsene Wenger's side is in pole position for the first time since August after they came from two goals down to beat Bolton 4-2 on Wednesday.

Tough

But their next four league fixtures could hardly be tougher, starting with next week's trip to Aston Villa, who are on a high after reaching the Carling Cup final.

That match is followed by a crunch game at home to Manchester United on January 31. Arsenal then take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and host Liverpool in February.

"With Aston Villa going through in the Carling Cup last night with a great win over Blackburn they'll be full of confidence as well and they are tough to play at Villa Park," said Parlour.

"That's going to be a big game away from home. These are the four games where you say 'can Arsenal really do it this season?'"

Demolition

Former midfielder Parlour believes Arsenal are capable of picking up nine points from those four games - an increase of three on the six points they secured against the same sides earlier in the season.

The Gunners lost 2-1 at Old Trafford in August and were then turned over 3-0 by Chelsea at the Emirates in November.

But they secured a 2-1 victory over Liverpool in December and followed it up with a 3-0 demolition of Villa in the same month.

Capable

Looking ahead to the coming games, Parlour said: "I think they are looking at [picking up] nine points.

"I look at Aston Villa and think they can get a result and I think they can beat Manchester United at home too.

"They are very capable of doing that and Manchester United are not playing great at the moment.

"Chelsea away - that's going to be the big one. Liverpool are easy targets.

"They won last night against Tottenham but coming to the Emirates, not playing with great confidence and [Steven] Gerrard and [Fernando] Torres out, there's every opportunity of picking up three points there."