As the Premier League’s 2015/2016 bow draws ever closer, the current of positivity around the Emirates Stadium grows ever stronger.
Despite the absences of the electric Alexis Sanchez and buzzy Jack Wilshere, Arsenal saw off Chelsea in the Community Shield to add to their encouraging pre-season. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s well-taken goal in the 24th minute of a tense, fiery affair added a fourth major trophy in the last two seasons, further extending Arsenal’s win streak at Wembley Stadium to six games after victories over Wigan, Hull City, Manchester City, Reading, Aston Villa and now Chelsea have yielded consecutive FA Cups and Community Shields. The abrasive actions of both Wenger and Mourinho (failing to shake hands or even acknowledge one another) at the end of the game proved that there is no chance of a friendly encounter between the two sides happening any time soon. But what else did we learn from the traditional season curtain raiser? Are Arsenal ready to mount a title challenge? Should Ramsey start out wide? Who are the title favourites?
1. Petr Cech has been the transfer of the summer so far. Period.
To the chagrin of their fans, Arsenal have lacked a world class presence in goal for almost 10 years, ever since Jens Lehmann departed to Stuttgart back in 2008. Even towards the latter stages of his final season during his first spell at the club, Lehmann’s form suffered, and while over the years Wenger has searched for a top-class replacement, Arsenal have continued to be found wanting at the goalkeeper position. Almunia, Fabianski, Szczesny, Mannone, Ospina have all been afforded numerous opportunities to provide stability behind the back four, and all have come up short. Yesterday, however, it seemed that Wenger had finally got his man. Four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, one Champions League, one Europa League, and (now) three Community Shields. Three times PFA Goalkeeper of the Year. 24 clean sheets in a season. The most successful Chelsea goalkeeper ever with 486 appearances and 220 clean sheets. Signed for just £10.9 million. From a title rival. Let that sink in for a moment. Undoubtedly Petr Cech has been the transfer of the summer so far, with Mourinho’s reluctance to let the Czech Republic International move across to North London signifying how highly he still rates the former Chelsea no.1. On Sunday, Cech and Arsenal made a significant statement about the coming season, proving that Arsenal will not be nearly as easy to score against as in recent years. Cech was an assured presence in goal, making important saves from Oscar and Zouma when called upon, displaying full control over his 6 yard box and constantly communicating with his defenders, ensuring that last year’s best team were kept to a small number of chances. Rio Ferdinand accurately summarised the situation when he said ‘He (Petr) is the best signing in the league. He is that important’. Arsenal have been crying out for someone like Petr Cech for years, so thanks Mr. Mourinho.