Sky Sports Daily pundit Tony Cascarino does not see a route back into the Arsenal starting XI for Petr Cech.
The former striker is convinced that the veteran goalkeeper, 36, is finished at Emirates Stadium after losing his place to summer signing Bernd Leno.
Cascarino claimed Cech’s “race his run” as he explained how the German has the edge over the long-established number one under Arsene Wenger.
“He started the season as Arsenal’s No 1 goalkeeper but I would be very surprised if Petr Cech was to get back into the team now,” Cascarino told the Times. “Bernd Leno is a country mile in front of Cech in terms of ability with his feet and Unai Emery seems likely to want his side to continue playing out from the back over the long term.
“Leno might get into the odd bit of trouble but generally he is really at ease with the ball at his feet and has no fear of exchanging passes with his defenders. Furthermore, the Germany international showcased his agility in making a couple of fine saves last night.”
OPINION
Watching Leno look comfortable pinging the ball around with the Arsenal back four as well as pulling off some quality reflex saves, the only conclusion is that Cech must be braced for months on the sidelines. Maybe, he might get the odd domestic cup match, or perhaps be installed the regular Europa League first choice. But, when it comes to the bread and butter of the Premier League, Cech is going to be left chewing the fat on the bench until or unless Leno suffers a major downturn in form. Of course, this was always inevitable after Arsenal spent around £20million to prise Leno from Bayer Leverkusen over the summer. Cech was the first choice for three years under Wenger following his 2015 arrival from Chelsea that was supposed to transform the team into title winners. That never worked out, although the Czech international was almost always the undisputed number one during that time. Now, it’s time for the new broom.