Friday 29 May 2015 13:43, UK
Arsenal must learn from their disastrous start in last year's FA Cup final to avoid an upset against Aston Villa, says Ray Parlour.
The Gunners were stunned by two goals inside the opening eight minutes from Hull City last season, before recovering to win 3-2 in extra-time.
They were also nearly upset in the semi-finals of the competition this year as they were taken to extra-time by Championship side Reading.
"If Arsenal play like they did in the semi-final against Reading and Villa play like they did in the semi-final, it’s probably really close and Villa might shade it," said former Arsenal midfielder Parlour.
"But with the experience of winning last year, Arsenal's players will know how important it is and the start to the game this season will be so different to last season.
"Losing two goals in 10 minutes to Hull City you thought 'what's going on?' I don't think they will start like that again. They've got to start on the front foot and put the pressure on Villa."
While Arsenal start as firm favourites, Villa have already beaten three Premier League sides to reach the final, including Liverpool in the semi-finals.
"With Villa, you are always wary of Benteke. He's a player in demand," said Parlour.
"If Arsenal turn up and their big players play, they should win. But the FA Cup final is so off the cuff. It’s not like a normal league game.
"Arsenal are going into the game after a good win against West Bromwich Albion while Villa are going into it after losing 6-1 and then losing at home to Burnley, so Arsenal are in a better situation in that respect. Whether Villa will say they rested players, but I don’t think you turn it on and off.
"But the other side of the coin is that for the Villa players it’s their first time in the cup final and they could raise their game. So I think it will be a good final."
Parlour won the FA Cup four times with Arsenal and expects the first goal in the final to be crucial.
"If Arsenal score first, I think they’ll go and win two or three nil," he said. "If Villa get the first goal, and whether they sit back and defend for their lives, it could be a difficult game for Arsenal."
The Gunners will be without injured striker Danny Welbeck, but Parlour thinks the competition for places is forcing everyone to raise their game, especially with Jack Wilshere fit.
"Jack is a major player - if he’s fit, he’s going to play," he said. "But obviously the midfield is very competitive and everyone’s got to fight for their positions. That’s probably why those players have upped their game in the second half of the season when everyone’s been fit.
“Santi Cazorla, who’s 30, has really picked up as a player and was probably thinking ‘I’ve got lots of good youngsters behind me and if I don’t play well, I know I’m out the side’.
"Competition for places is so important as everybody lifts their game. And Arsene Wenger’s a very fair man. If you get your opportunity and you play well, you stay in the team. That’s why it’s going to be interesting at the weekend."
Ray Parlour was on hand at Emirates Stadium to present the Europcar Cup: a Five-a-side tournament for fans, hosted by Europcar, to celebrate its first full year of sponsorship of Arsenal.
