Former England and Arsenal footballer Ray Parlour is reportedly convinced that his former club will be more competitive than before and backed them to end their nine-year trophy drought by claiming the Premier League title.
Parlour, who won three titles under Arsene Wenger's stewardship, has watched his mentor's aura diminish since 2005, the year he last won a title, with the drought extending into a ninth year - the longest period without success the club has endured since the 1960s.
However, the Daily Star reports that Parlour is convinced that this year can still be productive, despite last week's Anfield meltdown and he said that the Premier League is a lot more competitive now than it was when he played for Arsenal.
Parlour further said that during his time, Arsenal and Manchester United were the only two major powers, although now Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur have also caught up quickly, thus providing stiff competition.
Parlour also said that it would be the finest moment of Wenger's career if he won this year's Premier League title, adding that even though Chelsea and City are incredibly strong, Arsenal cannot be ruled out of the running.