That is the problem that faces the Arsenal manager, Unai Emery, in the coming week as he decides who to start in goal; the retiring veteran or the rising star.
Petr Cech is undoubtedly a Premier League legend and in his prime was a class keeper. Moreover this season, despite a couple of shaky moments with the ball at his feet, he has played well; saving Arsenal in multiple games in which they have struggled defensively. In addition to this, as it is meant to be the goalkeeper’s final game as he is retiring at the end of the season, Emery might be tempted to play Cech on emotion and let the former Czech Republic international try his best to leave football with a trophy.
The magnitude of this game, however, can’t be underestimated. This game is a direct way into Europe’s best competition and with that, the potential to attract a higher calibre of players. Failing to win this game would undoubtedly be a huge disappointment for Arsenal fans and if Cech did start, even if he did have a good game, Gunners’ fans would always have that to blame and Emery would come under heavy criticism. After all, it is a European Cup Final and in the biggest games, you play your best players.
Furthermore, Leno has had a very successful breakthrough season. Signed for the modest price of 20 million pounds, it has proven very shrewd business if you compare him to the 75 million Kepa. Although a season blotched with mistakes, Bernd Leno’s debut season has been a success; we’ve seen him pull off some outstanding saves, the double save against Spurs comes to mind, and we’ve seen him be effortlessly comfortable with the ball at his feet which is most Arsenal fans criticism of Cech.
The club we will be facing also has a huge impact on who we should choose. If it were another European club, then Emery may be forgiven for picking Cech. Initially, European teams are less likely to press the ball as much as English teams and as a result, Cech would be under less pressure. However, with it being an English team who are likely to employ a high press, this is not the case. As well as this, what can’t be forgotten is Cech’s ties with Chelsea. Petr Cech is a Chelsea legend making over 300 appearances for the club and winning many trophies in the process. Although, I am certain of Cech’s professionality it is a fact that can’t be easily looked over and one that fans will point to if we were to lose. Additionally, the rumours that have come out recently suggesting that following the Europa League final, that Cech will be made Sporting Director at Chelsea, heap extra pressure on Emery not to play him with thousands of fans tweeting their outrage at the thought of the multiple Premier League winner starting.
As a result, it is the safe and sensible thing for Emery to start Leno. He doesn’t gain anything from Cech playing, apart from disappointment on the player’s part. This is the biggest game in Emery’s Arsenal tenure so far and he doesn’t need any additional distractions. The Arsenal manager needs to be ruthless and if Cech does start, Emery needs to pray that the Gunners do win because Arsenal fans won’t blame the goalkeeper; they’ll come for the Arsenal manager!
By Soorya Thavaraj
@TheArsenalWay4
Comments
Post a Comment