Cech: We’re determined to add to the trophy cabinet
PETR CECH today urged his Arsenal team-mates to rewrite the club’s history books by winning the Europa League.
The Gunners moved a step closer to securing their first European trophy in Arsene Wenger’s 22-year reign after drawing 2-2 at CSKA Moscow here to progress to the semi-finals 6-3 on aggregate.
Arsenal’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League appear to hinge on winning the Europa League, given they lie 13 points behind fourthplaced Tottenham with six Premier League games left, beginning with Sunday’s trip to Newcastle.
The Gunners have only ever won two continental competitions: the 1970 European Fairs Cup and the 1994 European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Cech told Standard Sport: “There is a big responsibility for everyone because we know with the position we are in the League, it is difficult. Someone would have to have a big meltdown in the last games to give us a chance to sneak into the top four through the League.
“We know this is our chance to book our Champions League spot, but not only that: you play a European competition for a cup, and for a cup the club has never won. This is another opportunity to add a great trophy to the cabinet.
“You need to keep the progression. You keep that not only on the pitch but by winning things. Obviously, it will be very important for the club to finish the season with a European success and, most importantly, if we can book the spot in the Champions League for next season. A club of Arsenal’s size and history belongs in the Champions League. Hopefully, we can progress another round and give it a shot in the final.”
Danny Welbeck and Aaron Ramsey scored the second-half goals that helped Arsenal back into the game, although Ramsey’s participation in Sunday’s Premier League trip to St James’ Park is in doubt after he posted a picture on Instagram before flying back to London last night which showed at least six staples in his leg following an injury sustained during the first half. There is also a question mark over Jack Wilshere, who suffered a kick to his right ankle.
Cech also revealed that Wenger is yet to decide which goalkeeper will start the semi-finals. David Ospina has played in eight of Arsenal’s 12 Europa