Arsenal newbie Petr Cech was chosen over Wojciech Szczesny in between the sticks for Saturday’s 3-1 win over Everton in the Barclays Asia Trophy – and he couldn’t be happier to have pulled the shirt on.
Arsene Wenger’s decision to give the Czech international his first runout created quite a buzz before the game and the ex-Chelsea man said that it was a very pleasing end to “a great week”.
Speaking to Arsenal Player, Cech said: “We had two very positive games, and we can go back home to London happy and glad with what we achieved here. The main target was to get fit and it’s important that even when you are tired you win games”.
He played the full 90 minutes –something he will be hoping do to many more times once the season gets up and running next month.
Despite conceding a 75th minute goal to Everton’s Ross Barkley, Cech produced a fine display, making key saves from Steven Naismith and Luke Garbutt to help his team into a 3-0 lead before the Toffees scored.
It is a game which Petr says he will remember fondly: “When you play your first game, everybody has a big expectation and you win a game, it is something to always remember”.
The Gunners will be hoping that the tall, experienced frame of Cech will see them concede less in 2015/16 as they push for a first title since the Invincibles season of 2003/04.
Arsene Wenger was applauded out of the small press room following his comments on his side’s pre-season tour, which he described as “perfect” –will Petr Cech be a perfect fit at the Emirates?
