Arsene Wenger might think Petr Cech was the missing piece in their title challenge, but former Liverpool goalkeeper David James thinks otherwise.
Arsenal FC signed former Chelsea FC goalkeeper Petr Cech during the summer in attempt to improve one of their most troublesome positions. Despite that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was criticised by former England number 1 David James for his inability to improve their defence during the summer transfer window.
Arsenal, who are level on points with league leaders Manchester City, have a glorious opportunity to win the league after a long time with defending champions Chelsea FC struggling and Manchester United yet to find their groove for goals. But the former Liverpool FC player was quoted as saying to the Daily Express that the Arsenal defence needs improvement if Arsenal are to win the Premier League.
“I like Cech, I think he is an amazing goalkeeper. However Arsenal’s problem wasn’t fundamentally the goalkeeper. I think they conceded 36 last year, their best before that was The Invincibles in 2004.” he said.
“They also concede the most amount of headers, so there’s something in front of the goalkeeper which isn’t quite right.
“The fact Cech has had to produce a number of outstanding performances already this season, kind of suggests there’s still problems going on in front of him.”
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David James did point out that the pairing of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny have conceded 36 goals last season, but it is one of their best in recent seasons. Mertesacker has been criticised for his lack of pace but it could be pointed to Wengera s naivety to play a high backline with a slow defender as one reason for conceding so many goals last season.
Wenger this season seems to take a more careful approach to games and has adjusted his game plan to the strengths of his squad and not his preferred approach in big games. The tactic has seen results going in favour of Arsenal but a faster and experienced defender who can lead the defence will always be a welcome addition.