Though the first few weeks of Petr Cech‘s tenure at Arsenal were a bit disappointing, the star goalkeeper has returned to the form that made him one of the most dominant stoppers in Europe. The stats alone indicate that Cech – even at the age of 33 – is still a terrific goalkeeper and a major upgrade from what Arsenal had last year.
According to the Metro, Arsenal are conceding 14% fewer goals off of “clear cut chances” with Cech protecting the posts than they did last season. The stats, taken from Opta, showed that last year Arsenal conceded 18 goals from 46 clear cut chances (39%) but this year – with Cech in goal – that mark has plummeted to four goals allowed on 17 clear cut chances (25%).
Needless to say, Arsenal’s defense – second in fewest goals allowed as of writing – have benefited greatly from his strong play this year.
As for Chelsea, Cech’s former club, the Blues currently have the sixth most goals allowed in the Premier League and have only shut out an opponent four times in 16 matches while conceding at least two goals 10 times and at least three goals four times.
Thibaut Courtois, who Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho chose as the club’s starting goalkeeper before selling Petr Cech to Arsenal, has yet to record a clean sheet this season.
SEE MORE:
Gary Lineker names ex-Arsenal transfer target as his best signing of the season so far
€25m Arsenal, Chelsea & Tottenham target wanted by Euro giants
Real Madrid lining up South American Arsenal superstar as Cristiano Ronaldo replacement