by Nia Griffiths

Martin Keown has revealed that he expects a ‘high energy‘ performance from Chelsea in the Community Shield on Sunday, and that Petr Cech should get an ‘outstanding‘ reception from his former fans.

The former Arsenal defender spoke in his Daily Mail feature, Tackle Keown, about the upcoming match between Arsenal and Chelsea. He admitted that although he was disappointed with Manchester City’s performance against us last season, and has found much of Chelsea’s work last season to appear complacent, he believes they’ll turn up for the match on Sunday.

“I was disappointed with Manchester City in last season’s Community Shield,” Keown said. “They were the Premier League champions but they seemed complacent, and this is something that kept resurfacing throughout the season. I don’t expect to see any of that complacency from Chelsea this weekend.”

He continued, “Mourinho creates an energy and intensity among his players, and he is very proud of his record against Wenger. He’ll be desperate to keep those bragging rights, and even if it was a three-legged race he’d be desperate to beat him!

“When United beat us under Sir Alex Ferguson he would say that the victory would set them up for the season and give them a huge boost.”

He added, “Whereas when we beat them, he’d insist that the Community Shield was no reflection on how the season would pan out!”

The Arsenal legend also revealed the reception he thinks new goalkeeper, Cech, should get, but it’s not necessarily what he will get.

“I think he should be getting an outstanding reception,” he said. “He’s been one of the best Premier League keepers of all time, and Chelsea fans will hopefully understand that it’s all about getting playing time. Roman Abramovich allowed him to go and Jose Mourinho clearly didn’t want to sell him to Arsenal, but he sees that Thibaut Courtois is the future.”

The former defender carried on, “The Community Shield this weekend could be an emotional day for him, but it’ll be better to get it out of the way before the season starts. Though it’ll still be strange for him when he goes into the away dressing room at Stamford Bridge this season!”

On the topic of Cech as a signing in general, Keown is impressed, saying, “I think he’s an excellent signing for Arsenal. He’s used to winning things and everyone will see how he conducts himself and trains. He will be demanding of the players around him and will act as a driving force. You need those sort of characters.”

It’d be surprising if the former Chelsea keeper doesn’t get the nod ahead of David Ospina, who took up the position of first choice goalkeeper last season.

The match gives us a chance to really gauge where we are and how we’re going to face next season. Hopefully we come away with the win.