Cech gives 'best squad since Invincibles'
The signing of Petr Cech has made Arsenal’s squad the strongest it has been since “The Invincibles,” according to former Gunners midfielder Ray Parlour.
Cech, 33, made his first home appearance for Arsenal on Sunday since signing from Chelsea for £11 million, as the club beat Wolfsburg 1-0 to win the Emirates Cup.
Parlour, who made 466 appearances for Arsenal and was part of the squad that went an entire league campaign unbeaten in 2003-04, feels manager Arsene Wenger has the most impressive squad at his disposal since that title-winning season.
He said in the Daily Mirror: “It’s definitely the best squad since ‘The Invincibles.’ They need to steer clear of injuries. Last season, if the injury list was a bit lighter at certain times then they would have been a lot closer.
“The most important thing in any squad is to have the right team spirit and harmony. Everyone has to be pulling in the same direction. You can’t have some not getting on with others, a personal feud or something like that.
“At the moment, it’s the best I’ve seen in terms of team spirit for a long time. I think now, winning the two FA Cups, they believe they can go to the next level which, for me, is winning the league. That’s the most important trophy. That shows you how consistent you are throughout the season.
“Petr Cech is experienced, has won everything, been involved in massive games which is so important. He’ll be involved in the dressing room, helping the youngsters, helping people who have not gone as far as Chelsea when he played for them.
“He’s a proven keeper and I still think he’s a good age. I look at [Edwin] van der Sar, he turned up at Manchester United at 35 years old and you think: ‘can he still do it?’ He was superb for the next three or four seasons.
“I think it’s a massive signing. Maybe they need a few more as well.”
Wenger added of Cech: “He is top level on the experience front but he is a good communicator and brings a calmness in the way he responds to situations in a way which will help to lift the level of confidence of our defenders.”
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