“Class in midfield” – Ray Parlour hails Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla

Former Arsenal great Ray Parlour hailed Santa Cazorla following his match-winning performance against Manchester City.

The Spanish midfielder was involved in both goals, as the Gunners secured a massive 2-0 victory away to the reigning Premier League champions.

Parlour took to Twitter to offer a brief thought on the 30-year-old’s superb performance, calling the Spaniard “class” and “quality”.

Cazorla rifled the visitors into a half-time lead at the Etihad, scoring from the penalty spot after City captain Vincent Kompany was deemed to have brought down Nacho Monreal in the box.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry praises the performances of Santi Cazorla

He then created the second, playing a free-kick into the box for Olivier Giroud to head home and secure the three points for the Gunners.

Cazorla has been in sensational form lately, providing real attacking threat and creativity in the final third for the Gunners – particularly in the absence of World Cup winning playmaker Mesut Ozil.

The German has only made seven Premier League appearances this season, having suffered a knee ligament injury away on international duty in early October. He made his return to action during an 18 minute cameo at home to Stoke City last weekend, but did not feature against Manchester City on Sunday – watching on from the bench as an unused substitute.

Reflecting on Cazorla, once more, the Spain midfielder has created 49 chances for Arsenal this season – assisting five times. Furthermore, Cazorla has completed 55 take-ons this season.

Only Alexis Sanchez (56) has created more chances for Arsenal in the league than Cazorla (49) this season