Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour says an FA Cup title could offer some needed joy for the Gunners after a trying season in the Premier League.

Despite Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Liverpool, Arsenal find themselves 9th in the Premier League and will miss out on UEFA Champions League football next season.

Their last chance for silverware this season comes in the FA Cup, where they face Manchester City in Saturday’s semifinal match.

The Gunners have a good history in the competition having claimed a record 13 titles, and Parlour — who won four FA Cups — says the nature of the knockout tournament means his former club stand a chance.nike nfl cheap jerseys

“It’s a one-off game — 90 minutes,” he said on The John Dykes Show. “We know Man City will be going for it because Pep Guardiola has got a great record in it as well.

“Man City in the cup — it’s going to be difficult but this is such a massive game for Arsenal and they’ve done it before.”

The Gunners have had to overcome many hurdles this season, including the dismissal of former manager Unai Emery in November after they went seven games without a victory.nfl cheap nike jerseys

Parlour says Mikel Arteta has improved the situation — although it remains to be seen if the Gunners will spend during the transfer window and whether they will have the drawing power without top-level continental football next season.

“We do need better players,” added Parlour, who won three Premier League titles with Arsenal. “We need players to come in and we know that everybody wants to play in the Champions League. If Arsenal are not there, it’s going to be a little bit more difficult.

But according to Parlour Arsenal’s appeal lies in its history, location and the chance to redeem a struggling side.

“Also, it’s an opportunity for a player to come in and really turn it around for the club,” Parlour said. “If you get two really good players in and really start building the team around certain players, then I can see them getting back into the top four.”