Cech takes aim at style of Wenger
LONDON: Former manager Arsene Wenger sometimes put the ‘Arsenal way’ of trying to play beautiful football above winning during his final years at the London club, according to goalkeeper Petr Cech.
Wenger departed in May after 22 years in charge having endured a barrage of criticism in the latter part of his reign for a tactical approach that resulted in 14 seasons without a Premier League title.
“What we lacked in the past — I would say the ‘Arsenal way’ was more important than getting the points sometimes and this is not how you win the league,” Cech was quoted by The Independent as telling reporters after Sunday’s 2-0 home win over Everton.
“Sometimes you need to make sure you win an ugly game, when you are not playing completely well but you just dig deep, close the back door and win 1-0 no matter how. I think this is what we lacked over the last three years, since I arrived [in 2015].”
Spaniard Unai Emery took over as head coach on a three-year contract in May and, after a tricky start, has steered Arsenal to four straight victories as he tries to shape a team that can bring a 14th league title to the club.
Cech, 36, said Emery was bringing back the qualities required to win trophies that had gone missing under Wenger, whose last season in charge resulted in a sixth-place finish. Cech faces competition for his starting spot from the club’s new signing, Bernd Leno.