Ray Parlour fears for ‘vulnerable’ Arsenal left-back Nuno Tavares against Tottenham

Nuno Tavares has struggled defensively in recent weeks (Picture: Getty Images)

Ray Parlour says Nuno Tavares is ‘vulnerable’ at left-back and expects Tottenham to focus their play down the left-hand side of Arsenal’s defence in the north London derby.

The Gunners face their rivals at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next week, in what is set to be a pivotal fixture in the race for the top four.

Mikel Arteta’s side currently occupy fourth spot and hold a two-point lead over Spurs with four games left to play.

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Before then, Spurs travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool and Arsenal host Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium this weekend.

Ahead of the all-important north London derby, Gunners legend Parlour expressed his concerns over how Tavares will fare defensively against Antonio Conte’s side.

Tavares has struggled to perform since being tasked with filling in at left-back for the injured Kieran Tierney.

‘I worry about the full-back areas,’ Parlour told talkSPORT.

‘Tierney is brilliant if he stays fit. He’s been injured quite often in an Arsenal shirt.

‘Defensively, he’s [Tavares’] not the best if I’m being honest. He’s got to improve on that.

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‘He’s better in a three at the back, when he plays wing-back. But he’s vulnerable at left-back.

‘And I’m sure Spurs will be saying, “Well OK, let’s play down the left-hand side and Tavares”.

‘They might get a bit of joy down that side when they play them next Thursday.’ 

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