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Arsenal: Can Petr Cech save his reputation this season?
By Rory Picton
Arsenal’s Petr Cech has been underperforming this season. Often miss playing passes. Maybe it’s time for the Czech shot-stopper to retire.
Arsenal’s number one shot-stopper, Petr Cech has had an inconsistent season thus far. He has come up with some big saves when needed and been a leader on the field. But he has also conceded some questionable goals as well.
Is it time for him to hang up the gloves? Or should the Gunners keep him for one more season?
Petr Cech is nearing the end of his career as a footballer. As a goalkeeper, age doesn’t affect you as much as it would in other positions. Just look at Gianluigi Buffon.
With Cech now 35, the future has to be considered. With his performances clearly declining and the players maybe not trusting him anymore, maybe its time to retire.
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Petr Cech is one the most respected and most consistent goalkeepers of his generation. When he signed for Chelsea in 2004, he became the most expensive goalkeeper in Premier League history for a reason.
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Cech has divided critics at the Emirates. Sometimes he lacks the composure and gets a little too confident in possession. He regularly comes up with crucial saves during games and his aerial ability is second to none.
David Ospina lacks that ability to claim high balls as he is only 6’0.
Saturday’s North London Derby saw Cech make some really nice stops but also saw him make some really risky plays. For instance when he faked the shot and dribbled past Harry Kane. Or when he nearly handed it to Dele Alli.
Arsenal is apparently courting Jan Oblak of Athletico Madrid. If these rumors are true, the fans will be in for a treat. Oblak is one of the world’s finest goalkeepers and is someone who is confident with the ball at his feet. Oblak reminds me of Ederson for Manchester City, as he’s very well rounded, yet young enough to still learn and adapt to a new league.
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Arsenal needs to make a decision on what they want to with their goalkeepers before its too late and they are stuck with Ospina and Matt Macey. Petr Cech is the past and fans will be hoping he can save some face come the end of the season.