Southampton manager Ronald Koeman believes having Petr Cech in their ranks has made Arsenal defensively stronger this season.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper joined the Gunners in the summer after spending 11 successful seasons at Chelsea between 2004 and 2015.
The Czech Republic international’s inclusion has boosted Arsenal’s defensive record in the present campaign, with the north London outfit conceding just 14 goals in 17 Premier League games, the joint lowest in the division, along with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.
And Koeman, whose side will face Arsenal on Boxing Day, is of the opinion that Cech’s presence has contributed significantly to the Gunners’ improved defensive displays this season.
“The goalkeeper makes a difference”, the Dutchman told Southampton’s official site.
relatedNewsStory
“Cech is a big goalkeeper for Arsenal and I think that makes them defensively stronger than Arsenal was and also that they a little bit more drop back than they usually do.
“That makes the team a little bit more stronger defensive wise and in my opinion it's more difficult.”
Cech, who won four Premier League titles and one Champions League amongst other major honours during his time at Chelsea, has kept 11 clean sheets in 22 games for Arsenal.
The custodian’s present employers are currently second in the Premier League with 36 points from 17 games, just two behind leaders Leicester City.
