Ray Parlour has proved he remains objective as a pundit after backing bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur for big success.
Mauricio Pochettino has turned Tottenham into one of the most exciting teams in Europe against the backdrop of a fitting new ground being built to showcase their attractive football.
Spurs have also been formidable in the Champions League this season and look a good bet to advance to the next round of the knockout stages after a superb comeback draw against Juventus in Turin.
Age old enemies Arsenal are heading in the opposite direction with doubts over Arsene Wenger’s future following a dismal season which got worse with a 3-0 thumping at the hands of Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
The Gunners’ only realistic hope of avoiding a second consecutive season of Europa League football is to win the competition this season given they are 10 points behind fourth-placed Spurs.
The role reversal in the fortunes of the North London rivals is hard to watch for Gunners fans and ex-players.
But Ray Parlour proved he remains impartial as a pundit when he backed Spurs to kickstart an era of silverware by winning the FA Cup this season.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ The Debate, the Gunners legend believes Pochettino’s side look favourites to win the historic trophy and thinks it will be the start of a golden period for Spurs.
“Spurs are getting a new stadium but they’ve got a great team on the pitch as well,” Parlour said on The Debate.
“I think the FA Cup is going to be vital for Tottenham this year, I think they’ve got every chance of maybe winning that FA Cup,” Parlour said on The Debate.
“And that first trophy, if they can keep the players they’ve got already, and add a few more they could be challenging next year who knows.”
Pundits and rival fans have been queuing up to suggest Tottenham will lose their manager and best players if their trophy drought goes on much longer.
But Spurs fans will be happy to see Parlour redress the balance somewhat.
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