Arsenal: Petr Cech should be frustrated. He’s right.

Petr Cech has expressed his frustration at Arsene Wenger’s cup-league rotation between himself and David Ospina. The Arsenal goalkeeper should be frustrated, though. He’s right.

Petr Cech made a rather explosive appearance on BBC television on Sunday afternoon. As a part of their FA Cup coverage, the experienced goalkeeper, who first worked as a pundit for Chelsea’s win over Leicester City and then helped with the semi-final draw, had much to say on life at Arsenal.

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Cech revealed the uncertainty over Arsene Wenger’s future, admitting that it could be a distraction for some individuals in the squad, though he chooses to focus on the next game as it comes, and commented on his limited involvement in the competition that he was covering, the FA Cup.

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It was these comments that have caused the most reaction, specifically in regards to the cup-league rotation policy that Wenger employs between him and David Ospina. Here is an extract of what he said. It is very interesting indeed.

"“It wasn’t always a case of playing in one or two competitions — it was game by game. If you kept playing well and didn’t need a rest, the manager had his choice to pick the goalkeeper for the competition. I enjoyed that because I love this competition — to play FA Cup games makes it a bit more spicy and special. But you have to respect the manager. You can tell him you would prefer the other way, but the decision is his.”"

Cech is clearly frustrated with Wenger’s selection policy of his goalkeepers, though he is quick to add that he is happy to bow and accept the manager’s decision. But, in all honesty, I agree with the now 200 Premier League clean-sheet holder.

The rotational policy between competitions that is used at other positions makes sense for two reasons: It provides rest for the starters who are then preserved for more important games, their sharpness maintained for the whole of the season; it gives game time to young prospects who need appearances and opportunities to develop their games and sell their qualities to Wenger.

But at the goalkeeping position, only one of these factors applies, the development of young players for the future. Ospina, though, is 30 years of age. He is not a prospective talent who needs time to hone his craft and fine tune his game. He is as good as he ever will be. It would make sense if Cech was being dropped for a 20-year-old who has the talent to succeed from him. But he isn’t.

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Wenger’s reasoning for rotating between the two seemingly centres on the responsibility that he feels in providing both game time. That is admirable and all, but it is completely inapplicable and unhelpful to the current state of the team. Cech’s right. His frustrations are vindicated. As long as he is fit and playing well, he should be starting every game.