Arsenal’s season was dealt another blow as they suffered their fourth consecutive defeat on Sunday.
Lewis Dunk and Glen Murray were on the score sheet as Brighton enjoyed a 2-1 win over the Gunners at home.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang did pull one back for the visitors but couldn’t save a game in which Petr Cech endured a poor display.
Here, we analyse the keeper’s performance.
STATISTICS
Saves – 4
Claims – 0
Passes – 32
Pass accuracy – 53%
Touches – 44
Clearances – 1
Aerials won – 0
Long balls – 17
Accurate long balls – 2
Bad control – 1
30-SECOND REPORT
Arsene Wenger needed a response from his team after back-to-back 3-0 defeats to Manchester City but was let down by his most experienced player in Cech.
The goalkeeper made a horrendous start to the game as he went to collect a corner-kick but was too weak. He couldn’t claim the ball which eventually found its way into the back of the net.
He should’ve done a lot better with the second as well as the hosts went 2-0 up after 26 minutes.
The 35-year-old looked nervy throughout the encounter and his distribution in particular let him down. Like the rest of the team, he looked woefully short of confidence.
Petr Cech collects the ball
GOT RIGHT
Recovery – After a poor start to the game, it must be said that Cech eventually seemed to gather his bearings and at least do the simple things right with a few routine saves.
GOT WRONG
Kicking – On three occasions in the first half, Cech’s kicking was weak, failing to reach even the halfway line and giving possession away cheaply. Even when he improved in the second half, he didn’t have any confidence in his distribution, whacking the ball away without aim. It’s no surprise he found his targets with only two of his 17 long balls.
Claims – Cech failed to make a single clean claim in the game his poor effort at one in the opening exchanges handed the home side the lead.
KEY MOMENTS
7th min GOAL CONCEDED: Poor keeping from Cech who comes off his line to collect Gross’ corner but gets nowhere near it as Shane Duffy wins the header and Dunk is on hand to stab it into an empty net.
9th min SAVE: Cech has no time to reflect on his earlier error as Izquierdo cuts the ball back for Gross who tests the custodian with an effort directed towards the bottom corner. The Arsenal number makes a good save.
26th min GOAL CONCEDED: Arsenal lose the ball and Gross whips in a great cross for Murray who is left unmarked by Shkodran Mustafi. He goes low with his header which squeezes just under Cech who should do better.
51st min SLIP: Mustafi plays a back pass to the Arsenal keeper who slightly loses his footing while making the clearance.
Cech had a nightmare
VERDICT
When Cech arrived at Arsenal in 2015, the hope was that the experienced keeper’s presence would influence a flimsy Gunners defence. Instead, three years on, the opposite appears to be true.
Cech’s timid display against Brighton surmised the form Arsenal have been in of late. He did improve in the second half better never looked like his old self.
RATING: 3/10
All statistics are compiled using whoscored.com