Cech’s still my man in goal, maintains Emery

Keeper seemed to struggle with new approach of playing ball out from the back

Unai Emery has confirmed goalkeeper Petr Cech will keep his place in goal for Arsenal when they head to Chelsea in the Premier League tomorrow.

The 36-year-old appeared to struggle with Emery’s new approach of playing the ball out from defence in Sunday’s season opener, almost scoring an own goal in the 2-0 defeat as he looked uncomfortable in possession.

Goals from Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva ruined Emery’s welcome party as his first game as head coach ended with a loss.

Cech received widespread criticism for his performance and hit out at Bayer Leverkusen after their Twitter account mocked his display.

With Cech preferred to former Leverkusen stopper Bernd Leno, who left the German club to join the Gunners in the summer, they replied to a clip of a mistake with “we know a guy...” before running a video of Leno playing out from the back.

Cech questioned the “professionalism” on display and later received an apology from Leverkusen – but it appears he has retained the backing of Emery ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Stamford Bridge.

“I am very happy with his performance,” Emery said of Cech. “He has experience, he has quality, he has the capacity.

“Also, with Bernd Leno – they are two goalkeepers who are important for us.

“For Saturday, the decision for me is easy. Petr Cech can continue to start the match, I believe in him. But if (in future) Bernd starts, I believe in him also.”

While Arsenal’s new high-pressing approach failed to produce a result against the reigning Premier League champions, Emery will continue with his philosophy when his side head to Stamford Bridge.

“We are going to play away but we need to keep our personality, keep our mentality,” he said.

“I think on Sunday against Manchester City, the team kept their ideas, kept their spirit in the game for the full 90 minutes, even when we were losing and didn’t let their heads go down.

“We want a good preparation before and a good response on the pitch to that preparation.”

Nacho Monreal’s return to fitness has come at a good time for Emery, who is in need of a left-back, having been without the Spain international and Sead Kolasinac for the City game.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles filled in but suffered a small fracture to his leg early on and now faces up to two months out.

Summer recruit Stephan Lichtsteiner – more adept at playing on the right – replaced Maitland-Niles and is now competing with Monreal for the berth against Chelsea.

Danny Welbeck has also returned to full training and could be involved in west London.

For Saturday, the decision for me is easy. Petr Cech can continue to start the match, I believe in him.

UNAI EMERY

Picture: Getty. Petr Cech looks set to continue in goal for Arsenal against former side Chelsea.