Arsenal's "oustanding" summer signing a million miles from being replaced, according to a former Gunner

Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson believes Petr Cech has fallen down the pecking order and will now struggle to supplant Bernd Leno in goal.

Leno, 26, joined the Gunners over the summer but was initially playing second fiddle to Cech until the veteran gloveman pulled his hamstring against Watford. Leno has shone in his absence and now holds the No.1 berth according to Merson.

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1. Many were expecting Leno to start for Arsenal upon his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen, but Emery opted for Cech at the start of the season.
2. The 36-year-old impressed between the sticks and received widespread adulation after a string of fine performances.
3. However, during the 2-0 win against Watford in September, Cech pulled his hamstring and was replaced by Leno.
4. The Germany international has since thrived in goal, producing a number of eye-catching saves and consistent performances.
5. Leno has also proven more adept at playing out from the back, whereas Cech came in for heavy criticism for failing to adapt to Emery’s tactics, and as a result, Leno will likely keep his place.

Cech started the first five matches of the Emery era and looked to have claimed a starting position under the Spanish tactician. However, since returning from his hamstring injury at the end of October, the experienced ‘keeper has had to settle for a place on the bench in the previous four league matches.

Leno was imperious as Arsenal extended their unbeaten run to 17 matches with a win over Bournemouth at the weekend and Merson was quick to garland the German shot-stopper with immense praise.

“He is doing really well, isn’t he?” Merson told Sky Sports (via Goal).

“He looks a good goalkeeper, he looks like he’s got a good temperament as well. He’s made some great saves.

“They’re always out of danger, he doesn’t gamble, he doesn’t go ‘oh I think he’s going to hit it there’.

“That’s reading the game to the highest level. He’s been outstanding, absolutely outstanding.

“There was talk when Cech got fit, people were wondering if he would come back in. But now you’re thinking that’s a million miles away at the moment.

“A million miles away.”

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Cech vs. Leno

Both shot-stoppers have played seven Premier League matches this season, with Leno conceding seven goals in that time and Cech conceding nine, though it should be noted that five were against Chelsea and Manchester City respectively.

During his seven matches – including the 45 minutes he was on the field against Watford – Cech made a total of 28 saves with a saves per goal ratio of 3.11, whereas Leno has since made just 21 saves, at a saves per goal rate of 3.5.

Cech also has a better claim success rate of 100% compared to Leno’s 75%, though his rush-out success rate and the number of punches made are inferior to his German counterpart.

Distribution is where Leno really stands out, with the Bietigheim-Bissingen native boasting a distribution accuracy of 81.2%, a goal kick success rate of 72.1% and a throw out success rate of 100%, which all eclipse the former Chelsea ‘keeper.

The post Petr Cech is no way near displacing “outstanding” Arsenal No.1 Bernd Leno – Paul Merson appeared first on Squawka News.

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