Arsenal legend Lehmann gives honest verdict on Cech’s display v Man City
The Arsenal legend was "surprised" by Petr Cech's sub par performance in a 2-0 loss to Manchester City on Sunday
Jens Lehmann has admitted that he was surprised by Petr Cech’s performance in Arsenal’s 2-0 loss to Manchester City at The Emirates on Sunday evening.
The Czech Republic international started their Premier League opener despite the £22m addition of Bayer Leverkusen shot stopper Bernd Leno.
Cech struggled with the ball at his feet as new Arsenal manager Unai Emery looked to get the Gunners side to built the play from the back.
The 36-year-old made a couple of decent saves but Cech’s inability to play out from the back has raised questions about his future under the Spanish head coach.
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Lehmann admitted that he was “surprised” by Cech’s level of performance in Sunday’s 2-0 loss to the defending Premier League champions.
“He is still a fantastic goalkeeper and apparently he had to change his style, but sometimes the game tells you what to do and not the other way round,” Lehmann told Sky Sports’ The Debate.
“I was a bit surprised that every time he tried to play out, which is not possible, nobody can dictate to you when to play out.
“He is very intelligent so he knows when to play out and when not to.
“Petr has played hundreds of games and I think sometimes he would have kicked it long before, now he is under pressure this year.
“The game dictates what to do and not a certain style you have to play.”
Cech has won four Premier League titles, four FA Cup crowns, three League Cups, the Champions League and the Europa League during his decorated career at Chelsea FC and Arsenal.
Arsenal will make the short trip across London to take on FA Cup winners Chelsea FC in their next Premier League fixture at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.
The Gunners finished in sixth spot in the Premier League table last season to miss out on a place in the Champions League.
