PETR CECH slammed his Arsenal team-mates for their sluggish starts in recent matches.
The Gunners were handed a favourable Europa League draw on Monday with a trip to Swedish minnows Ostersunds in the last 32.
In the past few weeks, the North Londoners have been undone by conceding early goals.
They were 2-0 down to Manchester United after 11 minutes during a 3-1 home loss.
And, on Sunday, they required a late equaliser from Olivier Giroud after going behind at Southampton with just three minutes gone.
Cech, 35, said: “One thing that is really gutting is that we lost the game against Man United in the first ten minutes. “At Southampton, we could have been 3-0 down after ten minutes again, and this is something we need to improve.
“In this league, if you give other teams the advantage in the first five minutes, you make it difficult for yourselves.” Arsenal travel to Ostersunds on February 15, with the second leg at the Emirates on February 22.
Arsene Wenger’s side avoided tricky assignments against the likes of Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Napoli. Ostersunds, who are managed by Englishman Graham Potter, were established on October 31, 1996 — four weeks AFTER Wenger took over at Arsenal.
Next up for the Gunners is an away tie against London rivals West Ham on Wednesday evening.
The Hammers beat Chelsea at the London Stadium on Saturday in what was David Moyes’ first win in charge of the club.
From The Sun
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