Arsene Wenger has hailed Petr Cech’s achievement of keeping his 200th Premier League clean sheet as remarkable, while also managing to stick to boot into striker Troy Deeney.
The Watford striker has become a villain in the eyes of Arsenal fans after saying that they ‘ lack cojones’ following their last meeting at Vicarage Road. He also scored the winner at the Emirates last year, meaning heirs every touch of the ball was jeered by the Gunners support today.
He had chance to stick it to the Gunners once again when the Hornets were awarded a second half penalty, and with Petr Cech still yet to save a spot kick in his career at Arsenal, spanning almost three seasons.
However, the Czech international kept out Deeney’s effort, and went on to keep a clean sheet for the first time since December, becoming the first person to ever reach the 200 mark – much to the delight of his manager, Arsene Wenger:
“He had to wait a while…and he had to wait a while to save a penalty!” joked Wenger.
“It’s quite fortunate it’s against Deeney you know…and on top of that to get the clean sheet.
“I believe his situation shows how football is. In one week he goes from hell to heaven and that’s how quick life can be. I like the two situations because in the first he showed a lot of humility and responsibility and a record like that needs motivation and a huge level of intelligence. You don’t last so long in the game without that intelligence.”
Speaking specifically about Cech’s clean sheet record, Wenger praised the 35-year-old for his ability to stay at the top over the course of his career.
“Of course it highlights as well what Petr Cech has done,” continued Wenger.
“200 clean sheets in his career is remarkable and on top of that he saved a penalty today.”
