On Thursday night, English clubs continued their dominant performances in Europe when both Chelsea and Arsenal advanced to the Europa League final.
While the Blues have already secured a Champions League spot next season, the Gunners will need to win the final in Baku to book their place in Europe’s premier club competition.
But although Chelsea have finished ahead of them in the Premier League, Arsenal hold one crucial advantage over the Blues in the Europa League final — superior experience in the goalkeeping department.
Petr Cech will be making the final appearance of his career in the Europa League final for the Gunners, with the former Czech international determined to close out his career with a trophy.
At 36 years of age, he has seen it all in his 19-year-long career. And most importantly, he has vital experience on the biggest stage of all: a Champions League final penalty shootout.
When playing for Chelsea in 2012, Cech was the hero when the Blues lifted the trophy, triumphing against Bayern Munich at the German club’s home stadium. When it comes to kick-off in Baku, Cech will be mentally prepared for the task ahead.
On the other hand, Kepa Arrizabalaga, his counterpart in goal for Chelsea, is just 24 years old and lacks the big-match experience that his opponent has.
Although both clubs possess excellent goalkeepers, Arsenal undoubtedly have the edge with Premier League legend Petr Cech, who knows what it takes to prevail in a European final.
