ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger has highlighted the value of a quality goalkeeper in helping teams land major honours.
The Frenchman on Saturday praised Petr Cech as “the whole package” for his performances since he moved to the north London club – Arsenal’s only signing before the current campaign.
And, ahead of tonight’s showdown against fellow title hopefuls Manchester City, Wenger used international football to illustrate the importance of a good goalkeeper.
He said: “When Spain won the 2010 World Cup, in every game [Iker] Casillas saved a one-on-one when it was 0-0 or 1-0, or saved a decisive ball.”
Cech’s shut-out in last weekend’s win at Aston Villa last weekend drew the 33-year-old level with David James for the record number of Premier League clean sheets - 169.
Wenger continued: “Even in the final (Casillas made a one-on-one save) against Arjen Robben.
“So instead of being 1-0 down you are 0-0. And that, at the end of the day, makes the difference.”
Tonight’s Emirates Stadium clash could see the return of influential Chile international forward Alexis Sanchez.
Sanchez has not played since he sustained a hamstring problem during the 1-1 draw at Norwich on November 29.
However, he returned to training earlier this week and is in contention to make a timely return for the Gunners.
Midfielder Mikel Arteta could also be back following a calf injury but Jack Wilshere (leg), Francis Coquelin, Danny Welbeck, Santi Cazorla and Tomas Rosicky (all knee) are all sidelined.
