Arsene Wenger has praised the massive contribution of Petr Cech to the Arsenal title push.
Wenger signed the Czech Republic goalkeeper for £10million from Chelsea in the summer – his only sortie into the transfer market in the close-season.
The Gunners' boss was criticised by many for his lack of activity – but the sole arrival has proved an inspired choice.
Cech, 33, has proved a huge, calming influence on his defence, which has looked more solid as the season has progressed, and Arsenal have emerged as real contenders for the Premier League title.
And the part played by Cech has been apparent, going into Monday night’s showdown with Manchester City at the Emirates in what is regarded by many as one of THE key remaining fixtures of the season.
“He has brought his experience, his calm and his leadership,” said Wenger, who was quick to praise David Ospina, last season’s first-choice Arsenal keeper.
“He [Ospina] was exceptional last year. But Petr Cech has done it all, so he is someone who gives you an aura … a charisma that is always important in big games.
“You always look around the dressing room before a big game and you think, ‘Are we strong enough?’ And these kind of faces help you to believe it.”
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Cech’s presence will be of paramount importance against a City side who have a massive attacking potential.
Wenger said: “In big games, the number of shots on target shrinks. But then one save can be the difference for the result.”
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He then cited one by Iker Casillas in the 2010 World Cup final for Spain against Holland, when Arjen Robben was denied when through on goal.
“When you see Spain win the World Cup and think about each individual game, you think in every game Casillas saved a one-on-one when it was 0-0 or 1-0,” said Wenger. “Even in the final against Robben – and, instead of being 1-0 down, you are at 0-0. And that makes a difference.”
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Wenger’s one regret was he that missed out on signing Cech, who was then at French club Rennes, a decade ago and the Gunners boss was close to his agent Frederic Dobraje.
“Sometimes it makes me think that I missed him at Rennes,” said Wenger.
“And how that could have changed for us if we had signed him in that period. He went to Chelsea, but we could have been quicker on the day than Chelsea. We were not, maybe, sharp and quick enough.”
Wenger he also revealed a conversation he had with Cech before the transfer.
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“I met him before I signed him,” he said. “We had a long discussion about the game, the job and his position.
“I was deeply impressed by his knowledge and professionalism. So since then, I have not been surprised because I got the whole package in one go.
“The goalkeeper is the most underrated position in football – and maybe the most vital one for winning things.”
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