The confidence of Arsenal’s defence has been boosted by the arrival of Petr Cech, according to his new team-mate Hector Bellerin.
The Gunners right-back was speaking after their 1-0 victory against Cech’s former side Chelsea in the 2015 FA Community Shield.
Arsenal recorded their sixth Wembley win in 16 months thanks to a first-half strike from England winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
SAFE HANDS: @HectorBellerin praises the confidence @PetrCech has given @Arsenal since his arrival at the club
https://t.co/JdoKYPIo85
— The FA (@FA) August 2, 2015
But one of the many sub-plots to the game was the debut of their new man between the sticks – against the club he represented for 11 years – and he did not disappoint.
Although untroubled for large spells of the game, the 33-year-old was called into action midway through the second half as he flew high to his right to tip a goalbound Oscar free-kick away for a corner.
A moment, Bellerin says, that proved decisive.
“He showed especially for example with the free-kick it was a turning point of the game,” he continued.
“It was a great save and it gave us that confidence as well and we’re very happy to have him in the team.”
