Graeme Souness defends Petr Cech after Arsenal debut nightmare
Thursday 13 August 2015 10:30, UK
Graeme Souness launched a staunch defence of Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech after he was at fault in the Gunners' 2-0 defeat against West Ham.
The former Chelsea 'keeper came charging out his goal to intercept a West Ham free-kick but was beaten to the ball by Cheikhou Kouyate, who gave the Hammers a shock first-half lead.
Early in the second half, Mauro Zarate's second again raised question marks over Cech's performance, and there was no coming back for the Gunners, as they slumped to a surprise defeat.
Petr Cech will still be one of the best goalkeepers in the world come the end for the season, and he will prove that.
However, despite Cech receiving criticism from many quarters for his inability to prevent Arsenal's loss, Souness leapt to the defence of the new arrival, and stood by his pre-match claim that the stopper is worth "10 points a season".
"Don't judge him after one game," Souness said on Super Sunday.
"Arsenal will not be far away again, Petr Cech will still be one of the best goalkeepers in the world come the end for the season, and he will prove that.
"I am standing my ground on a very solid platform. He has never been anything other than a top class goalkeeper, and he will continue to be just that."
The panel analysed Cech's positioning for the second goal in greater detail, and felt that while he had very little help from a stationary Gunners backline, he seemed to be moving in the opposite direction.
"He looks like he is wrong footed, and is moving to the wrong side," Souness added.
"He has his weight on his left foot there, and he is retreating a bit.
"We are talking about this today as he is a top goalkeeper, but he is partially responsible for the result today."
