Unai Emery has revealed that Petr Cech will start against Chelsea for Arsenal despite his shaky performance against Manchester City last weekend.
Arsenal signed German goalkeeper Bernd Leno from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer and he was expected to replace Cech between the sticks at the start of the season.
However, the veteran shot-stopper started against Manchester City on Sunday and looked shaky and unsure as he struggled to adapt to Emery’s style of football, where the goalkeeper plays a key role in playing out from the back.
He almost embarrassed himself by scoring an own goal, but Emery stressed that Cech’s experience and quality is needed between the sticks for Arsenal.
The Arsenal manager is confident about Leno’s ability as well but he is keen to see Cech retain his place in the team against Chelsea.
Emery said in a press conference: “I am very happy with his performance. He has experience, he has quality, he has the capacity. Also, with Bernd Leno [it’s the same].
“They are two goalkeepers who are important for us.
“They have different qualities but for us in the way we want to play, they can [both] play.
“For Saturday, the decision for me is easy. Petr Cech can continue to start the match, I believe in him. [But] If Bernd starts, I believe in him also.”
Arsenal will be looking to avoid starting the season with two defeats on the trot when they travel to Chelsea on Saturday.
