Parlour not convinced by Nuno, Pochettino as he urges Arsenal to ‘gamble’

Ray Parlour has said that Arsenal should “gamble” by appointing Patrick Vieira as Unai Emery’s successor in North London.

Emery was sacked on Friday morning after a 2-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday made it seven games without victory, the Gunners’ worst run since 1992.

Previous reports have claimed that the Arsenal hierarchy have sounded out the likes of Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo and former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettin but speaking on talkSPORT, former midfielder Parlour said he would appoint Vieira.

“I have always said Patrick Vieira. I would take a chance with him,” the 46-year-old said. “Of course it is a gamble, it is a massive gamble but every manager is a gamble.

“Look, Pep Guardiola started his career, how did Jurgen Klopp get his break? These sort of lucky breaks sometimes – I know for a fact he would be like Frank Lampard [at Chelsea] and the fans would give him a chance.”

Freddie Ljungberg has been installed as Arsenal’s interim boss and when questioned on who should be Emery’s permanent replacement, Parlour said: “Freddie Ljungberg I would have to go with at the moment.

“I am sure behind the scenes they will be really sounding a few people out. I know the Wolves manager has been mentioned, [Mauricio] Pochettino with his payout, I’m not sure how that will work.

“I am not too sure about Eddie [Howe] at the moment but he has done a wonderful job at Bournemouth. He might not want to go. He might be happy to stay at Bournemouth.”

Arsenal’s last victory came against Vitoria Guimaraes on October 24, when two late free-kicks spared the Gunners’ blushes.

Blushes were not to be spared against Frankfurt, however; while the Bundesliga side struggled to create chances throughout, a short spell of pressure was enough for Daichi Kamada to come up with two goals to lead his side to victory.

The result does not pose any significant danger to Arsenal’s chances of reaching the competition’s last 32, so it will be Premier League clashes against the likes of Norwich and West Ham which the club will now be judged on.

Read more: The seven top contenders to replace Unai Emery at Arsenal