By Nicole Powell
Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour believes Paris Saint-Germain will start as “big favourites” in the Champions League final, but insists Mikel Arteta’s side can still lift the trophy if they follow a disciplined, defensive game plan.
Speaking exclusively to 10bet, the former England international urged Arsenal to take inspiration from the club’s famous 1994 European Cup Winners’ Cup triumph over Parma, where George Graham’s side defended brilliantly to secure a shock victory.
Parlour, who started in that final, admitted Arsenal were heavily outplayed for large periods of the game but said finals can often be decided by small moments.
“We got battered, absolutely battered by Parma,” Parlour said.
“But if you can get that chance and score it, and then really defend like you can do it, that’s what they can take out of that. Parma should have beaten Arsenal on the night, but they didn’t.”
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Parma blueprint gives Arsenal hope
The former midfielder believes Arsenal must frustrate PSG and remain compact throughout the final rather than trying to play an open game against one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking teams.
“I’m sure PSG will be favourites – big favourites to win it,” he added. “But I think Arsenal have got to go there, set their stall out really early, be hard to beat, and try and nick one maybe from a set play or something like that, which they’ve been very good at this season.”
Kvaratskhelia poses major threat down Arsenal’s right side
Parlour also warned Arsenal about the threat posed by PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, whom many can agree is one of the greatest football talents in recent years.
“He’s, for me, one of the best players I’ve seen for a long time,” Parlour said. “What he does with the ball, he chops inside. So that is a bit of a worry.”
Facing Kvaratskhelia, the Arsenal legend admitted the uncertainty surrounding the right-back position could become a major issue for Arteta ahead of the final, especially if Jurrien Timber is not fully fit after injury.
Parlour expects Arsenal’s full-backs to take a far more cautious approach than usual in order to avoid being exposed on the counter-attack.
“You’re not going to be going forward too much as a right-back,” he explained. “You’re going to be more defensive-minded against him [Kvaratskhelia]. I think it’d be a much more structured back four.”
Have Arsenal underachieved in Europe over the years?
The 53-year-old also conceded Arsenal’s European record has fallen below expectations, considering the size of the club, pointing to the long wait for continental success since the 1994 triumph.
“You could say underperformed,” Parlour admitted. “The last European trophy we won was a long time ago as a club. I think lots of people are frustrated.”
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SportJustSport writers 
Michael Davey