Chesney

A few notable quotables from the Young Pole today:

"I was the one in goal, I was the one conceding all those goals, so I can’t be angry at people." - On conceding so many goals last year. Great to see how much he takes responsibility for things. No passing the blame around, he takes it on his shoulders.

"It’s a big privilege for me to wear that shirt at such a big club, I just hope I can prove I am worthy of wearing it." - On being given the No.1 shirt. He realises he's not there yet, and he still has a lot to prove.

"I played my first full season last season and managed to play every single game. The manager has a lot of faith in me and I appreciate that. I’m just trying to do my best and show everyone I’m worthy of it. There’s no danger of being complacent. I’ve got the No.1 shirt and I want to prove to everyone I'm capable of wearing it." - Following on, I didn't realise he'd played every game!! That's AMAZING experience, and he should be much better for it this year. He clearly sees being given the No.1 as a big step up, and it seems it has humbled him somewhat.

"Steve Bould has been doing some fantastic work with the defence. That seems to be working very well. It all makes me believe we’ll be that little bit stronger...We’ve done a lot of shape stuff, when we lose the ball and a lot of defending on crosses. We’ve done a lot more work on set-pieces than we did last year, which makes me believe we’ll concede fewer goals because the number we conceded from set-pieces last season was pretty high. It’s all very sharp as well. He likes to shout at players and keep them on their toes, which some of us need. Pat was like our father and he didn’t want to scream at us. Steve was a little bit different. It’s looking positive." - Let's all hope that starts to pay off. It's about time the defense were drilled and practised and shouted at. Steve sounds like the right guy for the job. Everyone appears to approve.

I was surprised by how humble Chesney sounds considering how confident he appears. He seems to have a very good, level head on his shoulders. I think the Carling Cup disaster rocked him a little, and refocussed him into improving. He seems to have great drive, and really wants to succeed with Arsenal. It's a big year for both him & the defense as a whole this year. They need to be the difference for the Team.

 

Norwich fan in peace . Good level head analysing things off the field? But to me he still lacks a lot in terms of judgement on the pitch. Not surprising given how young he is; but since I can't see AW bringing in a new first choice keeper, you are going to have to remain patient with him for a year or two longer until the lad really does mature.