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Arsenal’s ‘Uncomfortable’ defence hampering Petr Cech’s performances

Arsenal goalkeeping legend David Seaman has pointed the finger at the Gunners’ ‘uncomfortable’ defence for Petr Cech’s somewhat substandard performances and distribution of late between the sticks.

The 36-year-old stopper, with the ball at his feet, has found it a struggle to locate viable options to relieve troublesome phases, and though the former Chelsea man has more than enough experience to deal competently with the pressures of the Premier League, Seaman insists that the north-Londoners’ back four have to remain concise and diligent in their fundamental decision making whilst being pressed and hounded themselves.

Bernd Leno, 26, was drafted into Arsenal’s fold during the summer transfer window from Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen for a reported £20m to directly challenge Cech for the undisputed starting spot in Unai Emery’s revolutionary set-up at the Emirates.

The veteran Czech international started all four of Arsenal’s opening domestic encounters before the September international break, although he’ll be very much aware of the hungry German’s willingness to dislodge him from his weekly duties if an opportunity surfaces.

Speaking to the media – via Metro – Seaman justifiably explained: “We’ve got good, strong players,

“It’s just that, in that defence, we’re looking a little bit uncomfortable with the back pass.

“Petr Cech has been highlighted as though he is messing it up but he’s also getting backpasses onto his right foot yet he’s a left-footed goalkeeper so the defenders need to think about that. ‘At the moment, the plan isn’t working.

“You just need to mix it up with a few long balls and then play it out from the back.”

Arsenal will be eager to grab their third consecutive win on Saturday afternoon against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park, a potentially treacherous trip to the North East as Rafa Benitez’s stuttering Magpies will undoubtedly want to cause an upset in front of a spirited home support after enduring a particularly shaky start to the 2018-19 campaign.

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