Arsenal and Liverpool’s 0-0 draw at the Emirates was more exciting than most games that end 3-4 or 6-3. I don’t think it is fair to say that both sides missed chances, but rather they had them saved.
Petr Cech is on top of his game. He’s still got another five years in him. Many people doubted this after watching his wobbly debut against West Ham, where he was culpable for both their goals in a 2-0 defeat.
However this latest performance has proved what a brilliant bit of business Arsene Wenger has pulled off. What is so incredible is that, yes, Cech was certainly going to leave Chelsea, but how he was convinced to move to bitter rivals Arsenal.
After 333 appearances for the Blues, Cech may have been thinking of doing his club a service and moving overseas, but Wenger brought him in quite sensationally. He sent Wojciech Szczesny out on loan to Roma and made Cech the heart and soul of the Gunners. He might win Arsenal the league for 10 million pounds.
Last night Cech defied the laws of physics to stop a Christian Benteke tap in, Brendan Rodgers thought he had scored. So certain was the goal that the Czech keeper received a standing ovation. Benteke laughed in disbelief, there was nothing more he could have done.
About five minutes later he finger-tipped a curling Couthino strike that was destined for the back of the net onto the far post, which it flew off and away from danger. Arsenal looked rubbish in the first half and it should have been at least 2-0 had it not been for Cech.
John Terry said this just before the season began: “Petr Cech will win Arsenal 15 points this season.”
The Chelsea squad know exactly what has been unleashed against them this season. They should not kick themselves though. Thibaut Courtois needs game time, he is the future and Cech had to go somewhere, it just happened to be Arsenal.
Roman Abramovich reportedly gave Cech his blessing to join the Gunners – a reward for the years of service. It’s fair to say he won them the Champions League final on that night in Munich.
Cech is the ultimate Premier League player. Fearless, communicative, always up for big games and a physical presence. Time will tell but I think he will end up being a Chelsea and Arsenal legend.
This helmet-headed streetfreak isn’t quite done yet.
Here are some of Cech’s best recent saves:
Bayern Munich versus Chelsea (2012 Champions League final)
Cech saved an Arjen Robben penalty in extra-time ultimately to take the game to penalties and Chelsea to take their first ever Champions League.
Chelsea versus Manchester United (2013 FA Cup quarter-final)
Denying a Javier Hernandez header at point-blank range kept the visitors scoreless and Chelsea won the game 1-0.
Chelsea versus Liverpool (2012 FA Cup final)
Cech clawed the header back out from the goal and onto the crossbar, it was so close there were disputes it went over the line – but it didn’t. Why? Cech. Chelsea won the FA Cup 2-1.
Chelsea versus Manchester United (2008 Champions League final)
Although Chelsea went on to lose the match Cech made an incredible double save – initially from a Carlos Tevez header then his second save denying Michael Carrick’s follow-up shot was superhuman.
Gazmon
Guest
You'll eventually not notice it. I suffered an almost identical injury when I was a teenager playing in goals and was told take 6-months out of the game. I did wear the headgear for another 6-months, adjusted well to it but then didn't require it again. From interviews I've seen with him he wears it as much of a reminder and safety blanket than for actual protection.
144
Roar Guru
Definitely showing his true colours against liverpool.
HarryBalding
Roar Guru
Games like this one remind me that it wasn't just Chelsea's world-class back four that won them titles. Cech was and is, in my opinion, the best goalkeeper in the Prem. Hart/de Gea might have better reflexes, Courtois might be an acrobat with incredible judgement, but Cech in this vein of form is my pick for best GK. Then, Begovic (cue 'u wot m8?'). I don't think there can be any hard-feelings with his move to Arsenal. Everybody knows that he's been a great servant for Chelsea, and it's just a case of not enough game time to go around for him AND Courtois, and to see Cech's talent fade away into nothing, like it was in danger of doing last year. You're right to say he has five years left! Hopefully, even more. He may look like an asthmatic praying mantis but I love the guy.
Kaks
Roar Guru
As a Chelsea fan I must say that Cech has never been the same ever since his head injury. Yes he will have those performances every now and again which we say against Liverpool on the weekend, however in between those performances he will have very average games where goals will go in which most keepers would/should have saved (West Ham opening game of the season). He also had the best defence in the league in front of him which made his job easier and increased his stats. Taking nothing away from Petr, we owe him everything because he (and Drogba) won us the Champions League, but I firmly believe his best is behind him.
Ethan Purdon
Roar Rookie
Do you think it would be annoying to wear a helmet like that for an entire match?