Arsenal: Tactical element that may destroy Petr Cech’s case

Petr Cech and Bernd Leno are in an open competition to be Arsenal’s starting goalkeeper. There is, though, one tactical element that may destroy the former’s case to start: Unai Emery’s desire to play out from the back.

When Arsenal signed Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno for approximately £20 million earlier this summer, many assumed that it was to usher in a new era at the goalkeeper position.

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Petr Cech made an increasing number of mistakes in the previous season, David Ospina had proven himself unreliable and short of the necessary standard, and under management, the Gunners ostensibly wanted to go in a new direction at the position.

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However, when Unai Emery began preseason activities in early July, he openly stated that the goalkeeping position would be a straight competition between Cech, Leno, Ospina, who is still yet to return from the World Cup, and young prospects, Matt Macey and Emiliano Martinez. Of that crop, it was fairly clear that Cech and Leno were the ones fighting it out to be the starter.

And now, a month down the line, Emery is still yet to make a decision — or he has made a decision and not told anyone about it. Speaking after Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, in which he made a string of excellent saves, including two penalties, one in normal time and one in the shootout, Cech revealed that he has not received any assurances about the role he will receive next season:

"“We still have games to play. Obviously, for every player, you do your best, then the manager has his choice to make. I have not been given any assurances.”"

Cech’s case to be the starter is a strong one. He has enjoyed a promising preseason, he looks in terrific shape, is one of the most experienced goalkeepers in the world, and offers Emery continuity from the previous era, something that could come in handy if too much change begins to rock the boat a little. But there is one tactical element that could derail his argument quite drastically: Emery’s desire to play out from the back.

As illustrated throughout the preseason thus far, Emery seem insistent on his side being willing to keep the ball and play risky passes even deep in their own defensive zones, frequently passing it back to the goalkeeper to involve them in open play and provide another option that better allows them to keep possession of the ball and build attacks slowly but surely, working their way through the pitch with neat interplay and accurate, forward-thinking passes.

The problem for Cech is that he is not a natural with his feet. His distribution has come under criticism in the past and he does have a tendency to panic when his harried. Leno, on the other hand, is renowned for his comfort on the ball. He is as much a footballer as he is a goalkeeper, built very much in the mould of a Manuel Neuer or Ederson.

This could well swing Emery’s decision in Leno’s favour. It seems weird to be saying that about the only position in which you can use your hands, but it might be Cech’s skill with his feet that lets him down in his pursuit of the starting job.