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Arsenal keeper Petr Cech targets victory over former club Chelsea

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech celebrates after the Community Shield
Image: Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech is targeting victory over former club Chelsea

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech says there will be no room for sentiment when he makes his return to Stamford Bridge to face old club Chelsea on Saturday.

The Gunners defeated the Premier League champions 1-0 in the Community Shield at Wembley last month, with Cech keeping a clean sheet on his debut for the club. 

It was also the first time in 14 attempts that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had secured victory over Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho. 

The Blues have endured a miserable start to the new season, losing three of their opening five matches and sit just a place above the relegation zone at this early stage. 

Cech, who left Chelsea to join Arsenal in the summer, admits he will be doing his utmost to ensure his former side's wretched beginning to the campaign continues.

Petr Cech of Chelsea
Image: Cech spent 11 years at Stamford Bridge, helping Chelsea win four Premier League titles

"Obviously it will be new to play against Chelsea but when you start playing the game the only concern you have is 'can I play my best game and can we win?'" Cech was quoted as saying by the London Evening Standard.

"In a way it is nice that I spent so much time there. That I know every corner of the stadium and the space, so for me there will be no surprises."

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He added: "I have never played at Stamford Bridge in the visiting team so it will be a new experience for me. 

"I go to a familiar place but most important for me will be to win the game. That's the way it goes."

Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger have had a history of fall-outs, the latest coming after the 2015 Community Shield clash between Arsenal and Chelsea
Image: Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger will renew their rivalry this weekend

Meanwhile, Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil insists he is keen to repay the faith shown in him by Wenger. 

The 26-year-old joined Arsenal from Real Madrid two years ago for a club record £42.4m fee, which also made him the most expensive German player in history. 

He has been criticised throughout his career with the north London club, despite winning the FA Cup twice and having created a total of 76 chances in 2015, more than any other player in the Premier League.

Ozil has, however, always found a staunch supporter in Wenger.

Mesut Ozil of Arsenal is challenged by Yohan Cabaye of Crystal Palace during the Barclays Premier League match at Selhurst Park
Image: Mesut Ozil is looking to prove his worth to the Arsenal team

"He (Wenger) has experience and in past years you've seen him develop some top players," Ozil told the club's official website.

"I get on really well with him and he gives me his trust. I'm thankful to him for that and to be praised by a coach like him means a lot."

The Germany World Cup winner added: "I thank him for that through good performances on the pitch. I just want to help the team as much as possible on the pitch -- that's my target."

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