Unai Emery Explains Exactly Why He Chose Bernd Leno Over Petr Cech For Crystal Palace Clash

With Petr Cech having returned to full fitness, Unai Emery was left with a big decision to make against Crystal Palace.

Summer signing Bernd Leno has been in impressive form in recent weeks having stepped in for Cech, who injured his hamstring during the win against Everton last month.

But with the former Chelea man now fit again, there were suggestions that Emery could bring him straight back into the side at Selhurst Park, where Arsenal were hunting a straight 12th win.

Arsenal’s head coach kept faith with Leno, however, and explained why while speaking to Sky Sports ahead of kick-off in south London.

“I am very happy with both,” said Emery. “The performance of both goalkeepers and also Emiliano Martinez is very high level, but today I think it is good to continue with Leno because he is playing at a very good performance.

“But also Cech is with us today and he has the possibility to play the next matches, but for today the first decision [Leno] is to start the match.”

Meanwhile, Mesut Ozil has spoken about how his position has changed under Unai Emery.

The German is regarded as one of the best examples of a classic No. 10 in the modern game but he has been playing a slightly different role for his new head coach at the Emirates.

During Arsene Wenger’s reign as Arsenal manager, the former Real Madrid playmaker was often given freedom to find his own spaces on the pitch.

Emery has decided to move Ozil out wide and as he showed with his performance in the 3-1 win over Leicester City it is a vantage point on the pitch that could serve the 30-year-old well, even if he prefers to be played behind the striker in the hole.

“For me it is not my best position,” he told Sky Sports . “I think my best position is as a No 10 but at the end of the day I have to accept and respect what the coach decides.

“So I have to give everything I can on the right side, it’s new for me but it’s fun for me as well, especially with the goals and I will continue to give my best on that side.”