Petr Čech explains what Arsenal must do to win title

April 28, 2026 Oliver Obel

With just a handful of games left in the Premier League season, the title race between Arsenal and Manchester City has tightened to the point where even minor lapses could prove decisive.

Rather than tactics or squad depth, former Chelsea and Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Čech believes the outcome may hinge on something less visible: mentality.

Speaking to GiveMeSport in London, Čech suggested the closing stretch of the campaign effectively represents a reset in the competition.

“The Premier League title race has been incredibly tight,” he said. “Now it’s like a new season has started almost. If City win their game in hand, it becomes a new league again over four or five games.”

That scenario leaves little room for error, and Čech is reluctant to separate the two sides despite growing optimism around Arsenal’s chances.

“It’s still 50-50,” he said, stressing that consistency over the final matches will be decisive. With so few fixtures remaining, even a single dropped result could shift momentum.

Pressure over tactics

Drawing on his own experience winning major honours with Chelsea, Čech pointed to psychological resilience as the defining factor in title run-ins.

“I think pressure is what separates everybody,” he explained. “Can you perform under pressure? That’s what separates top players. The mental aspect is the biggest part of any sport.”

He indicated that managing expectations both internal and external can be just as important as performances on the pitch. For Arsenal in particular, maintaining focus will be critical.

“They need to cut the noise,” Čech said, warning that dwelling on pressure or past missed opportunities can be counterproductive. Instead, he emphasized the importance of approaching each match in isolation.

Guardiola’s lasting influence

Beyond the current title race, Čech also reflected on the broader impact of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, placing him firmly among the Premier League’s most influential figures.

“Definitely, he will be up there,” Čech said. “He’ll be right there with Sir Alex, maybe Wenger, Mourinho.”

According to Čech, Guardiola’s legacy extends beyond trophies, shaping how teams across England approach the game.

“He changed English football in the way football is played now,” he said, noting that many coaches have adopted elements of Guardiola’s tactical philosophy.

That influence is particularly evident at Arsenal, where Mikel Arteta once Guardiola’s assistant has rebuilt the club into consistent title contenders. While silverware remains the benchmark, Čech suggested the trajectory under Arteta is already significant.

“It’s not easy to win games in the Premier League,” he said. “Mikel has been close a few times now… But he’s done a great job.”

Lessons from success

Reflecting on his own career, Čech highlighted Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League triumph as a defining moment, particularly given his decisive role in the final.

“Winning the Champions League is special,” he said, describing the experience as a “dream scenario” for a goalkeeper.

Moments like that, he added, often fuel sustained ambition rather than satisfaction.

“The emotions you get from winning a big trophy are addictive,” Čech said, underlining how success can drive players to pursue further achievements.

Adapting, not copying

Čech also addressed the evolution of modern tactics, including the widespread adoption of playing out from the back. While acknowledging its effectiveness for some teams, he cautioned against blindly following trends.

Teams, he argued, should prioritise approaches that suit their own strengths rather than replicating systems without the right personnel.

“You should play the game in the way that suits your team best and gives you the best opportunity to win,” he said.

Off the pitch

The interview coincided with the release of “The Athlete Brand Economy” report by EMW Global and x+y Market Intelligence, which examines how footballers translate visibility into commercial value ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The study highlights how global tournaments can amplify player exposure, with younger stars increasingly maximizing digital engagement alongside on-field performance.

Sources: GiveMeSport, EMW Global, x+y Market Intelligence