Chelsea legend Petr Cech has pointed out a minute detail about Djordje Petrovic that could have had a big impact as Crystal Palace opened the scoring against the Blues tonight.
He told Sky Sports that the 24-year-old’s method of shot stopping could well have been costly when it came to the first goal at Selhurst Park.
Jefferson Lerma’s stunning first half strike gave the hosts the lead in the first half, with Noni Madueke getting his fair share of criticism for his part in the goal.
However, Cech instead discussed Petrovic’s method of shot stopping as a potential reason for why the ball went into the back of the net.
He said: “I talked about the two philosophies you see in the modern goalkeeping. Either you step up and close the angle or drop really deep.
Cech on Petrovic
“When you see Petrovic, he drops on the goal line to create that gap to step and push. In this moment the player cannot shoot round the defender, so it is more likely it’ll be a straight shot. When you see it that way, you can step up and gain yards and close the angle.
“When you’re standing deep there is a large gap to cover. He has a good step and reach but can’t get there, but personally I would be higher to get a touch on it. There is a choice to make. Sometimes dropping deep is not the best.”
Petrovic has been pretty perfect since coming into the side back in December, however analysis from someone with as big a pedigree in the game as Cech is something that will for sure be taken seriously.
The current number one made a good save in the second half when the scores were level, which allowed Chelsea to get back on the front foot at the end of the game.
Late goals from Conor Gallagher and Enzo Fernandez secured a big away win for the Blues in the Premier League.
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