Unai Emery confirms Arsenal star will start against Chelsea

The player was criticized for his performance against Manchester City

Petr Cech joined Arsenal from Chelsea on a four-year contract on 29 June 2015, for a fee of around £10 million. He spend 11 years with London rivals before deciding to move to the Emirates Stadium.

The 36 year old has been the first choice goalkeeper for the Gunners since joining them and has made 115 appearances in all competitions. He has been their one of the most constant players in the past 3 seasons.

He was regular for the English side last season, making 34 Premier League appearances for them but missed out on Champions League qualification.

But the Czezh Republic International was criticized for his performances as he struggled reclaim his form that made him one of the best in the world. The club itself have struggled in the past 2 seasons as they finished outside the top 4 on both the occasions.

Unai Emery was appointed as the new manager after Arsene Wenger announced that he will leave the club at the end of the season. He was charged with the task of returning the club to the European elite while challenging for major honours.

The Spaniard completed five signings this summer which includes goalkeeper Bernd Leno, who is seen as a long term replacement for the veteran goalkeeper. It is expected that the German goalkeeper will be the club’s first choice keeper in this season.

However former Blues star started in the Premier League opener against Manchester City but were beaten 2-0. He was heavily criticized for his performance.

But Emery has backed Cech to start against Chelsea despite criticism over his performances.

“I am very happy with his performance,” the 46 year old told as quoted by Sky Sports.

“I think he has experience, quality, capacity like a first goalkeeper with us – and also Bernd Leno.

“They are two important goalkeepers for us. Different qualities but for us, like we want to play, the two goalkeepers can play.

“Saturday the decision is easy, Petr Cech will continue to start the match, I believe in him. If he starts bad, I believe in him also.”

Read Also: Arsenal star backed to recapture his form under Unai Emery