Ray Parlour has been talking about Newcastle United.
Specifically the situation with Eddie Howe.
Days after the 2025/26 season ending.
United having reached the knockout stages of the Champions League for a first time in the club’s history, as well as a third domestic cup semi-final in four seasons.
However, a twelfth place finish in the Premier League leading to major disappointment amongst the fanbase.
Ray Parlour asked by 10bet whether he thinks the Newcastle United owners should stick with Eddie Howe?
The former Arsenal midfielder replying: “He deserves to be kept on. Definitely. A lot of clubs would like Eddie Howe. He has had a few injuries here and there…I think Eddie certainly gets another opportunity next season.”
Ray Parlour also asked if Arsenal should try and sign Sandro Tonali? “He’s a top player. There’s no doubt about that. Again, you’ve always got to be in the hunt when you’ve got players of this quality. But Zubimendi has just gone off the boil a little bit. He had a really good start to the season—he’s one of my players who I’ve really enjoyed watching—but he’s just dropped off a little bit. That’s why Myles Lewis-Skelly has got his opportunity. But I’m sure there will be a lot of takers for Tonali because I do like the way he plays and he’s strong—you know, a box-to-box player sort of thing. They’re like the old-fashioned midfielders; as I say, you can do a bit of both—get forward and you can also defend well. So it’ll be interesting to see what Arsenal’s plans are. But I think for me, Arsenal’s transfer priorities are a striker first, and maybe a left winger before they start thinking about Tonali or anyone else.”
When putting this article together I came across predictions Ray Parlour had made ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Asked to name his predicted top six Premier League 2025/26 finishers, in order, Ray Parlour stating:
Arsenal
Liverpool
Manchester City
Chelsea
Newcastle United
Tottenham
“I think it will be Arsenal – I can’t see Liverpool winning it twice in a row. Injuries cost Arsenal the title last year, but I believe they’ve now added strength in depth across the squad. If Arsenal can come through those tough first six games with positive results, it will give them the confidence to kick on and push for that elusive title.”
Well, Ray Parlour proved correct with his beloved Arsenal, but his Chelsea, Newcastle United and Tottenham predictions a ‘little’ wide of the mark!