Arsenal: Keeper problem could be solved without new keeper

Arsenal had problems with their keeper this past year, but might they be able to fix it without a new keeper at all? It’s crazy, but possible.

Arsenal’s entire defensive schematic failed them last season, and it has led to calls for new defenders, a new keeper, new everything. And rightfully so. The transfer links would seem to indicate that the Gunners see the same problem.

But given the budget restrictions, could the Gunners find a way to avoid buying a new keeper while still fixing the problems they had at keeper?

In short – it’s not impossible.

Petr Cech was guilty of seven defensive errors last year, which is completely unacceptable. He was a big part of the problem. But, in his defense, the guys lined up in front of him left him exposed so incredibly often that errors were bound to happen.

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Plus, when you look at the statistical comparisons, particularly the saves-per-goal comparisons, Cech outshines most of the guys we are being linked to. So what does that mean?

Well, it means that this is still Petr Cech. And no matter how old he gets, he is still Petr Cech. And so long as that is the case, he has value. He has never had these kinds of defensive mistakes before. Ever. So thinking that this is the “new” Cech is a bit rash. It is far more believable that he could come back next year and look like his usual self again.

David Ospina, however, is a different story. I don’t think he is a good deputy anymore. And that being the case, it would be fare more beneficial to let a youngster, like Emi Martinez, who Arsene Wenger absolutely loved, or the towering Matt Macey, deputize.

Best case scenario, they hit a good spot in their career, “come of age” as a professional, and can be relied upon in the clutch.

Worst case scenario, we weed them out and they prove that they aren’t good enough. Which we would need to find out anyway.

Plus they could learn from Cech, the living legend.

Fix the defense first. I want a new keeper too. But the defense comes first. Because no keeper can be that good without a solid defense in front of him.

Next: 3 Reasons To Sell Danny Welbeck

It can be done. I wouldn’t recommend not signing at least one new keeper, but it can be done.

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