Is Being Chelsea's No. 2 Already Impacting Petr Cech's Form?

Petr Cech has faced some challenges in his time at Chelsea, but the emergence of Thibaut Courtois seems to be the biggest one yet.

From being No. 1 for a decade, this summer he has found that reputations count for very little.

Chelsea's all-time record holder for clean sheets, he is regarded among the finest goalkeepers to have graced the Premier League; the common consensus being he still has the ability to command a position in the starting line-up for most of Europe's leading clubs.

Not in Jose Mourinho's opinion, who has replaced him between the sticks with Courtois.

Indeed, while the on-going international break has proved a hindrance for some, Cech would have relished joining up with his Czech Republic teammates this week.

He may not be loved in the same way at Stamford Bridge, but in his homeland, Cech is still very much No. 1.

Facing USA on Wednesday, it was the ideal opportunity for him to enjoy some game time and, in the process, remind Mourinho of why he should be Chelsea's first choice, too.

It hasn't worked out that way, with Cech coming under scrutiny for his role in Alejandro Bedoya's goal that gave Jurgen Klinsmann's side a 1-0 victory.

Bedoya's goal came on the back of a comedy of errors, Cech's ill-judged throw to a teammate putting him under pressure, before he parried Mix Diskerud's shot into Bedoya's path, who had an empty net to tap home the game's only goal.

It was a gift the Americans never expected, but duly accepted.

In many ways, it wasn't too dissimilar to a misjudgement Courtois had made in Chelsea colours against Everton at the weekend.

Chelsea were leading 5-3 at a stage when the game had become a you-score-we-score affair. Entertaining for the fans, not so for both managers.

Courtois added to the drama with his weak throw to Cesar Azpilicueta, who was easily dispossessed, leaving Chelsea open at the back. The ball eventually found its way to Kevin Mirallas in the box, whose wonderful effort was destined for the top corner only for Courtois to tip it onto the post.

Had it evaded the goalkeeper, Everton were well and truly back in the game. It could well have finished 5-5, instead of the eventual 6-3 in Chelsea's favour.

Courtois had made a considerable error at Goodison Park, yet when the moment arrived, he atoned for it almost instantly.

When two world-class goalkeepers are going head-to-head in much the way Cech and Courtois are, it's moments such as that which ultimately define the winner of their duel.

Two similar errors from the goalkeepers within days of each other was rather convenient, giving Mourinho an ideal opportunity to compare what he has to choose from.

Right now, he'll conclude it's advantage Courtois.

He's the young upstart, the player who has arrived at Stamford Bridge having enjoyed a successful three years on loan with Spanish champions Atletico Madrid.

Courtois is confident, ready for the challenge and everything about him is positive. He has the momentum.

Cech, meanwhile, is having to endure the scrutiny of not playing football and when he does, making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

In the build-up to transfer deadline day, his future at Chelsea was put into doubt, the Daily Mail linking him with a loan move to Paris Saint-Germain.

It didn't materialise and as the window closed, Cech felt the need to tweet that he wouldn't be leaving the club.

For a player of his standing, it's unfamiliar territory—it's uncomfortable and as he tries to prove himself again to Mourinho, will be unnerving.

It's too early to say whether or not it will—or has—impacted his form, but on Wednesday's showing, it doesn't make for pleasant viewing where Cech is concerned.

Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent. Follow him on Twitter @garryhayes