Jamie Carragher: New Arsenal signing has improved Petr Cech

Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno with Shkodran Mustafi Photo: Bernd Leno / Instagram

Jamie Carragher believes the signing of Bernd Leno has pushed Petr Cech into improving his game at Arsenal.

Leno moved to The Emirates from Bayer Leverkusen during the transfer window in a £19m deal, with many pundits and supporters expecting the German to usurp Cech in the number one role at Arsenal.

However, Leno has been restricted to just one start in Arsenal’s opening seven games of the new campaign after he made his debut in a 4-2 win over Vorskla in the Europa League last Wednesday.

Unai Emery seems to favour the former Cech Republic captain at the moment and he rewarded his manager’s faith with another superb performance against Everton during a 2-0 win on Sunday.

Carragher believes the Arsenal shot-stopper has benefited from Leno’s arrival at The Emirates.

Carragher told Sky Sports: “I think the signing of the other goalkeeper has actually lifted Cech’s performances.

“Arsenal are on a good run of winning games now and it’s massive for the new manager because it gives belief and confidence to the team.

“It’s massive from them going forward to keep the belief in the new manager and the most important person in that has been the goalkeeper.”

Emery’s men are currently preparing for their Carabao Cup tie on Wednesday against Brentford, where Leno could be handed his second start for the club in the third round tie.

Cech might well be rested ahead of Saturday’s crucial Premier League fixture against Watford, where Arsenal will be looking to win their fifth successive game in the competition to continue their charge for a top-four finish.

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