When Tribalfootball.com spoke to Ray Parlour before the season, he preferred to sit on the fence when asked about Arsenal's chances of winning the Premier League. With the season heading into the home stretch and Arsenal top of the league, how comfortable is that fence?

"I'd prefer to stay there a bit yet because of the circumstances this season. Manchester City are still favourites, and Jürgen Klopp leaving Liverpool is a massive factor which could prove the difference.".

But clearly something clicked for Arsenal following that January trip. What do you think was in that steak Salt Bae served up?

"Well, goals are flying in from all over the pitch even when certain players are out. I think Kai Havertz has stepped up, Saka, Ødegaard, Trossard's played his part as well and even Declan Rice has stepped up his game a little bit now.

"So many players have played their part now and it is a team game. You can't always rely on all the individuals. I know we had some great individuals in our team, back when I was playing, but it was still a team and people have got to do their jobs.

"They've given themselves a really good chance, but there's still a lot of football to be played and it can quickly change, as they found out last season. You don't expect Liverpool or City to drop too many points and that's what Arsenal have got to keep in the back of their minds."

With 10 games to go, Arsenal sit top of the league. Did you honestly see that coming just two months ago?

"Being top in front of two very, very top-class sides, as an Arsenal fan I'm over the moon. The football they've played has been really exciting to watch and the atmosphere has been the best I've ever seen. And that's since The Emirates opened in 2006, so the connection with the fans is very good. The fans know every single player has tried their best, and that's all you can ask for as a fan."

Are you surprised they're doing this well without the striker everyone said they needed?

"Both yes and no. It's a good young squad. I think they've really invested well in the summer and now those players are stepping up. Declan Rice has been one of the signings of the season, he's really improved the team in that midfield area."

Before this season you told us Arsenal needed to improve on their game management. Did we witness that improvement against FC Porto?

"I think we did, Porto were better than I expected. Game management is so important in football, and I think they've improved. They put games to bed now. It might not always be a great watch, but it's just knowing when to do what and when not to do it. So, I think they have learned their lesson."

Momentum wise, is it a shame that the game against Manchester City is a fortnight away?

"When you're winning games, you can't wait for the next one and Arsenal would have been in that bracket. Mikel Arteta will probably have four or five players in this week with the rest off on international duty. A break like this now probably benefits the teams that are losing more."

Arsenal visit Manchester City right after the break. They got hammered there last year; do you think they've grown enough as a team now so they can actually challenge Manchester City away from home?

"Well, this is a massive test for them. Have they got more experience from last season? I hope they have; it was a tough game there last year. There are a lot of internationals in that Arsenal-team who play big games all the time.

"When I was playing, we were always saying, pick up four points against your rivals. Win at home, draw away. Arsenal have beaten City already at the Emirates. One thing about City, they do give you a chance on the break, and Arsenal have got a lot of pace with players like Martinelli and Saka. But Manchester City obviously have fantastic players. De Bruyne, if he's fit, Rodri, Foden, Grealish is back, Haaland you can keep reeling them off."

So, let's revisit the previously mentioned fence; will Arsenal win the title?

"If they finish above Manchester City, they will win the title, because I think City will be either first or second."

And that is as far as Ray Parlour is willing to go.

- Ray Parlour was speaking to Tribalfootball.com on behalf of Netbet