Last Arsenal goalkeeper to win the Premier League title, Jens Lehmann, thinks Petr Čech will make the difference this season.

Čech had a Premier League debut to forget for Arsenal as he arguably could have done better for both West Ham goals on Sunday. The Hammers won 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium but Lehmann still believes Čech can bring Arsenal the title this season.

“He is the goalkeeper Arsenal need to win the title,” the former Arsenal goalkeeper said to Goal.

“He’s got the experience, he’s got most of the ingredients that a fantastic goalkeeper needs and he is among the best ever goalkeepers.”

Petr Cech of Arsenal is seen on the monthly magazine ahead of the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium on August 9, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Petr Čech’s first Premier League appearance for new club Arsenal didn’t live up to the fanfare on Sunday as Arsenal lost 2-0 to West Ham United. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Čech is 33 and some have suggested he could be past his best, but Lehmann doesn’t think the goalkeeper’s age will necessarily be an issue. When Lehmann arrived in north London he was already 34, and remained the Gunners’ number one up to the age of 37.

“It depends on him,” Lehmann said of Čech.

“I haven’t spoken to him, so I don’t know how he feels physically now, but I think he’s still got some great years to perform at this level.

“He will give confidence to the whole team, but of course he has to perform.”

If he doesn’t perform it will be David Ospina who will get the chance to reclaim his place, as Wojciech Szczesny and Emiliano Martinez have been sent out on loan to AS Roma and Wolverhampton Wanderers respectively.

Wojciech Szczesny with Theo Walcott as Arsenal celebrated winning the 2015 FA Cup with an open top bus parade. (LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images)
Wojciech Szczesny (L) with Theo Walcott as Arsenal celebrated winning the 2015 FA Cup with an open top bus parade. (LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images)

Szczesny is highly rated by many but his temperament is questionable. That was always an issue for Lehmann too, and he believes the Pole can return to be a success at Arsenal.

“Why can’t he come back? I’ve always said that when you’re too young, you shouldn’t play for a big club when they need you to win something,” Lehmann said.

“It’s about mentality. When you commit to a big club which his ambitious to win trophies, you have to commit to that target with no distractions.”