Save of the week: Petr Čech (Chelsea) vs Man United
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Chelsea had Petr Čech to thank for preserving their lead when he pulled off a world-class save to deny Manchester United from equalizing.
After a fairly quiet opening 45 minutes at Stamford Bridge on Monday, Demba Ba broke the deadlock early in the second half with an outstanding first-time volley.
Then came the other key moment of the match on the hour mark.
As Danny Welbeck's cross from the right landed on the head of Javier Hernández, there appeared to be only one outcome as everybody inside Stamford Bridge waited for the net to bulge.
But as Chicharito's header arrowed towards goal, Čech thrust out his left palm and pushed the ball to safety over the crossbar.
It was a truly world-class save, one which Hernández could only stand and laugh in admiration at the Czech's agility.
"It was a great ball from the wing and Javier did well to direct the ball into the goal," Čech told ITV Sport.
"I went fast as I could and left my left arm to do the job. I tried to cover as much space as I could and luckily I was able to reach it.
"I knew before the cross came that Hernández was there, so I knew I'd have to be really quick to get there, that's what allowed me to make the save.
"It was an important moment in the game, I'm sure a lot of people could already see the ball in the goal, so I was glad I got enough on it to push it over."
United's goalkeeping coach Eric Steele was applauding too as a member of the goalkeepers' union.
Čech added: "I got a few messages from other players and keepers, it's great that people can appreciate the save."
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| Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Čech saves a header from Manchester United forward Javier Hernández Photo: Getty Images |
After a fairly quiet opening 45 minutes at Stamford Bridge on Monday, Demba Ba broke the deadlock early in the second half with an outstanding first-time volley.
Then came the other key moment of the match on the hour mark.
As Danny Welbeck's cross from the right landed on the head of Javier Hernández, there appeared to be only one outcome as everybody inside Stamford Bridge waited for the net to bulge.
But as Chicharito's header arrowed towards goal, Čech thrust out his left palm and pushed the ball to safety over the crossbar.
It was a truly world-class save, one which Hernández could only stand and laugh in admiration at the Czech's agility.
"It was a great ball from the wing and Javier did well to direct the ball into the goal," Čech told ITV Sport.
"I went fast as I could and left my left arm to do the job. I tried to cover as much space as I could and luckily I was able to reach it.
"I knew before the cross came that Hernández was there, so I knew I'd have to be really quick to get there, that's what allowed me to make the save.
"It was an important moment in the game, I'm sure a lot of people could already see the ball in the goal, so I was glad I got enough on it to push it over."
United's goalkeeping coach Eric Steele was applauding too as a member of the goalkeepers' union.
Čech added: "I got a few messages from other players and keepers, it's great that people can appreciate the save."
