Cech makes case for defence
Goalkeeper Petr Cech insisted Chelsea would make no apologies for basing another title campaign around their record-breaking defence as he insisted the Blues were now even stronger than last season.
Chelsea’s record after just two Premiership games so far registers two 1-0 victories – against Wigan and Arsenal – and two clean sheets.
Given that they based last season’s success on 11 league games which ended in 1-0 wins, with a record of just 15 goals conceded and 25 Premiership clean sheets, it is already looking ominous.
However, Cech hit back at the critics who have questioned Chelsea’s style of play, with Arsene Wenger having pointed out their long ball tactics after the Community Shield.
Asked if Chelsea should make apologies for their approach, Cech insisted: “I don’t think we should do that. The main thing is that you need three points.
“You are playing against a team that is very strong and you can’t play for 5-0. If you do that, then you can lose. That is not the way to win a championship.”
The defence built around not only Cech, but also John Terry and William Gallas in the centre, Paulo Ferreira and now Asier del Horno on the flanks, with Claude Makelele as the shielding midfielder, will therefore continue to be Jose Mourinho’s trump card.
Indeed, with the combative influence of Michael Essien added to the squad, Chelsea could be even harder to break down this season, with even free-scoring Arsenal having hit just one goal in two games in Cardiff and West London.
“We know each other better than last season. We have had more time together in training, so it’s better,” explained Cech.
“Especially, we know the way that the manager wants us to play, which is important. Are we stronger than last season? Yes, we can say that but now we have to prove it.
“Two clean sheets at the start are good for the defence. We showed that defensively we are playing the same way as last season and we are not conceding goals. That is important.”
Chelsea’s defence has strength in depth, meaning that Mourinho can shuffle his pack against West Brom in midweek if he chooses, with Carlo Cudicini, Glen Johnson, Wayne Bridge, Robert Huth and – if he is finally forgiven – Ricardo Carvalho – still to come into the side.
However, just as important to Cech is the commitment of the entire team to defensive concerns, with Joe Cole berated by Mourinho early last season for not tackling back enough.
“It starts with the strikers and it goes to the defenders. It’s about the work of the whole team. We just keep going from last season,” added the Czech Republic international.”
Wenger has previously noted the increased expectations now weighing down on Chelsea amid Roman Abramovich’s multi-million pound investment and their bid to successfully defend their first title in 50 years.
However, Cech insisted the pressure is no greater this season than last.
“The name of Chelsea is the motivation itself for other clubs. Even last season, it was a great motivation to beat Chelsea because of the money and everything. So I don’t think it has changed this season,” he stressed.
Not that Cech is getting carried away with Chelsea’s victory against Arsenal, even though Wenger claimed before kick-off that the points may effectively count double at the end of the season.
“We will see at the end of the season. If we don’t drop points, maybe this will be very important for us. But we can’t say for sure now how important it will be,” said Cech.
“It’s all about three points. We always played well against Arsenal last season but we couldn’t beat them. It was only two draws. So we’re happy to beat them finally.
“It wouldn’t have been a big drama to have lost two points. But if you win the game and especially against a direct opponent for the title, it’s always good.”
Referee Graham Poll has been criticised by Arsenal for not awarding a penalty when Ashley Cole tangled with Claude Makelele, while there were also initial suspicions of offside over Didier Drogba’s goal.
