Wenger - Top-class Cech was huge for us

Arsene Wenger hailed Petr Cech’s man-of-the-match performance during Arsenal’s 1-0 win against Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium.

The Czech Republic goalkeeper made a number of fine first-half saves to thwart the Magpies before he made a vital block to deny Georginio Wijnaldum moments after the restart.

Cech had broken David James’ Premier League clean-sheet record and Wenger was delighted that the 33-year-old was able to maintain his “top-class” form and concentration on Saturday.

“It was a performance that was more mental [strength] and solidarity than fluency and brilliance but overall I like that we have shown this kind of quality,” the manager told Arsenal Player.

“We played against a very good Newcastle team. but we found the resources to score. We scored from a set piece and it is important when you want to play in the front to score from set pieces. We have been solid defensively, especially Petr, and it is enough to win these games.

“If Cech goes on like that he will add a few more clean sheets to his record because he has shown he is real top, top class. When you achieve a record sometimes in the next game you relax a little bit and to not lose concentration and to still turn up with two quality saves in the first half and second half was huge for us.

“[Grinding out results] is vital because it gives confidence to the team. There are moments in the league where we have to hang on, and to have the memory to win games when we didn’t play so well will give them the strength to do it.”