15 Aug 2018 09:03:28
The biggest thing that concerned me from the weekend was Cech, he can’t play with his feet, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks .

1.) 15 Aug 2018
15 Aug 2018 09:36:51
How old is he? 34 35
It's not old in reality only in football terms but in human terms mentally Petr is still a very young man.
Physically he is slowing down but mentally he should be sharp as a button and very capable of learning new skills.

2.) 15 Aug 2018
15 Aug 2018 09:42:47
I disagree mate, to suddenly make him good with his feet is a huge task, he’s not naturally gifted that way, he’s a good keeper but I think time has run out regards footwork.

3.) 15 Aug 2018
15 Aug 2018 09:59:13
Maybe so mate but most of us start off playing the game with dreams of being a striker who scores winning goals but as time goes on we find our natural position.
Cech would have started life as an outfield player who probably got shoved between the posts because of his height, all players should be capable of playing simple passes, as we all know 90% of the game is played in your head and while you can't teach people vision reading the game or pace but simple passing shouldn't be to tough for any pro to do.
I'm not saying Cech should be our number 1 keeper just that he has to be capable of learning to play simply with his feet as must all professional keepers to some degree, obviously some will do it better than others of course.

4.) 15 Aug 2018
15 Aug 2018 10:13:48
Understand your thoughts mate, be interested to see if Dick thinks it’s too soon to play from the keeper just yet, he might decide to get the starting XI and structure right first.

5.) 15 Aug 2018
15 Aug 2018 10:27:43
Very true mate, I'm more than happy to back Dick in whatever he does simply because how else can he find out what works and what doesn't work.
I reckon by October time he will have a good idea of what is possible with the players he has, we just need to be patient and understand its not all about this season but more about the 3 to 5 seasons that follow this one.
Serious top 4 challenging in 2019/ 20 season is realistic while if it happend this season it would be a very nice and very welcome bonus for us all.

6.) 15 Aug 2018
15 Aug 2018 10:55:10
Why is it even a question, we have a new keeper who can do it.

Cech will never be comfortable with the ball at his feet, how long has he had during his career to perfect kick outs and how many times do they simply fly into touch.

No more cosy club, remember 62? 😜.

{Ed001's Note - I really don't get why this is even a discussion. Cech has looked a shadow of his former self since the day he arrived. Leno looks a top class keeper. The moment Leno arrived it should have seen Cech sold, he is finished at the top level, sadly.}

7.) 15 Aug 2018
15 Aug 2018 11:13:09
I’m with you Stoner, he’s not a keeper who is good with the ball at his feet . I’m wondering just how long he will keep his spot in goal.

8.) 15 Aug 2018
15 Aug 2018 11:14:36
Also agree Ed, I thought Leno would come straight in.

{Ed001's Note - it is a really bizarre move not to bring him in when he is suited to the way Dick wants to play while Cech isn't. Why pay out for a keeper if you are not going to use him?}

9.) 15 Aug 2018
15 Aug 2018 11:45:34
Totally agree Stoner definitely no more cosy club for anyone at all Cech or any other players at all.
The only thing I would say is mid 30s isn't to old to learn new things and add to your skill set.
If Leno is the best man for the job then happy days and if Dick thinks he can rejuvenate Cech then happy days there too :-)

10.) 15 Aug 2018
15 Aug 2018 13:32:01
I think he might just letting Leno set out and see the aggressiveness of the game in the PL first. Or he may opt to play a more PL experienced keeper against city.
But I’m sure we will be seeing Leno and in goal very soon.

11.) 15 Aug 2018
15 Aug 2018 16:49:31
Im sure over the next few games there will be many changes as Dick works out what he actually is working with.

12.) 15 Aug 2018
15 Aug 2018 16:54:22
Although i appreciate that playing out from the back is now part of a GK's remit, I still think you should play your best GK, not the best passer. If passing out from the back is so important then why play a GK at all? Just stick a GK shirt on an outfield player and let him play in goal. Being a great GK is the priority, and if that great GK can't pass, then play a sweeper who can. If your best CF was 5ft 9 you wouldn't insist on playing with 2 wingers who keep crossing the ball, so if you have a GK who can't pass then don't ask him to pass! Or as we have done, go get a GK who is both a very good keeper, and who can pass.

13.) 15 Aug 2018
15 Aug 2018 19:42:15
Absolutely Epping mate, a full back is a defender in my book and if he can burst down the line and produce fantastic crosses then brilliant but 1st and foremost he 100% needs to be able to defend.

14.) 16 Aug 2018
16 Aug 2018 06:49:13
I actually thought Cech and the defence were not the worst aspect of the team against City.
What concened me more was the lack of protection and creativity in front of the back four.
Against Chelsea, perhaps it would be wise to try a 4-4-2:
Lichtsteiner Mustafi Sokratis Monreal
Ramsey Elneny Torreira Guendouzi
Lacazette Aubameyang

We still have too many 'luxury' players.

15.) 16 Aug 2018
16 Aug 2018 16:33:13
We read from the same hymnbook G62! I have a mate who constantly slags off our fullbacks for not being able to beat players when going forward! He constantly slags off Bellerin because he can't take on and beat defender of has an issue with his crossing ability. Really he should just stick on slagging him off over his defending, as ay the end of the day he is a full back not a winger. I used to say to my mate if you want an attacking full back then play Walcott in the position, and then you would really see a full back exposed (sadly ours not the oppo! )

16.) 17 Aug 2018
17 Aug 2018 16:27:04
100% Epping mate, people get carried away when they see a player who has it all then start thinking every player should have it all, a player needs to first ancient foremost be able to do the basics of his job description and anything above that is what makes them stand out in a crowd.
A barman needs to be able to pull a good pint and if he can juggle at the same time that's brilliant but if he can only juggle but not pull a good pint then he isn't a barman in the first place. :-)