Parlour: Rivals looking strong

Former Arsenal hero Ray Parlour has had his say on the situation in this season's title race.

Arsenal are in good shape this season, and look like being the biggest challengers to current league leaders Manchester United.

Parlour, who won two doubles with the Gunners, was also part of the 2003/04 Invincibles side that won the league without losing a single game.

United are still unbeaten and could be set to do the same, but has not ruled out the likes of Chelsea as still posing a threat to their challenge.

He said: "It'd be a magnificent achievement if Manchester United could go unbeaten this season.

"Sir Alex Ferguson is not interested in that at the moment. All he's interested in is winning that Premier League this season, if they go unbeaten that's a bonus.

"They are a force to be reckoned with but it's one of those situations where if they do lose it's how they bounce back quickly. When you lose a game you suddenly start doubting yourself but they've got so much experience.

"People like Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes have all been there and done it. They know how to win a championship so they're going to be favourites. Whoever beats Manchester United in the league will win the league.

"I did say Chelsea can't win it, but now they've brought in two massive players.

"With two signings that can give you a boost in the dressing room, it'll be competition for places and you might see [Didier] Drogba now thinking 'I've got to start performing a bit'.

"[Nicolas] Anelka has got to start saying, 'I might not be playing now, with Torres coming in so I've got to improve'. Sometimes it can give you a boost and a kick up the backside. But Chelsea have to win every game now. They can't afford any more mistakes."

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