Arsenal had gone three games, against some very good teams, without conceding a goal, but Everton’s deflected shot finally got past Petr Cech in the dying moments of the first half. That made it a nervy second half, and Arsene Wenger admitted it was difficult. “It was tough but I felt we played with great concentration, great solidarity,” Le Prof said on Arsenal.com. “After 2-0 it is important not to concede at half-time, that is maybe the negative of the day as we got caught on the break just before half-time.
“But after that our solidarity was exceptional, it got us through. We could not score the third goal but we had the chances and in the end we got three massive points. When you can win a game after such a massive game like Tuesday night, that tells you a lot about your team.
“It is very pleasing [to go top of the table],” added Wenger. “We were in a crisis at the start of the season and nine games later nobody would have predicted that because we relied on our spirit, our togetherness and our desire to do well. It worked, so lets continue with these ingredients.”
Everton came very close to getting an equalizer at the end of the second half as well, but Petr Cech managed to get in the way of Gerard Delofeu’s close range effort, which Wenger couldn’t help but praise. “That is why I cannot play in goal and we need a top-level goalkeeper,” he said. “It is a vital moment just before the end of the game to keep us in the match. If the ball goes in, we have no time to respond anymore. That is why he is world class.“
John Terry said that Cech would be worth 12 points to Arsenal this season, and the 33 year-old has certainly started earning his keep…..
I’m proud of this team and i like our chances. I’m sure there will be bumps in the road but if we can maintain a reasonable level of consistency, we will come very close.
Our last three games Cech has been the difference from coming away with 3 4 or 6 points and coming away with top marks. Against utd, Bayern and now eve, big game player. He really was a huge part of chelseas title successes.
Really happy with Cech’s performances so far. We really look like a different team with him now.
The more he plays the better he understands the team and our weakness at the back which he can cover.
Interested to see tomorrow’s line up, Cech is a confirmed starter due to Ospina’s injury, I wonder which other first eleven players will get a start. Expecting nothing less than a win whoever plays. Yes we are getting used to that now.
I would not risk Cech injury in this Game I would rather see what Macey can provide
@Gaah
It’s not so much about risking injury to Cech. It should be more about giving Macey a decent run out in order to keep him match ready in case Cech gets a knock. Remember Ospina is out injured so Macey is next in line..
Petr cech is a tower of strength between the sticks for us, and has been a huge difference in our line of defense! Coyg!
Cech’s a beast!! Hope he lasts a good 4 seasons at least.
Petr cech 》world class! Coyg!
It’s not just his saves: but his handling, kicking and calmness in goal. He doesn’t try to dribble outfield players and doesn’t come rushing out of his goal like a headless chicken. He has certainly been a massive difference.
Couldnt agree more Greg!
CAUTION! Let the Gunners not think because they have a World class goalkeeper in Cech, they can get careless with their markings. Ross Barkley was given so much room and time to operate from the halfway line up to the Gunners’ 18 yard box before he released a shot that deflected off De Abreu to beat Cech. Where were the Gunners challenges & markings to block Ross Barkley’s incursion before he did the damage. Let the Gunners not allow such momentary lack of concentration in their defending to occurred next time whether Oxlade is playing or not.
O.T. From the Arsenal training pictures released today on arsenal.com, I think we’ll get to see some youngsters take centre stage tomorrow and I am excited about that
Have anyone followed Roma lately? Our boy Szcez seems to be doing well.