Petr Cech can be Arsenal’s rock, says Per Mertesacker

Veteran goalkeeper Petr Cech can become the rock on which Arsenal build another formidable defence, according to centre-back Per Mertesacker.

The 33-year-old £10m (€14m) summer signing from Chelsea endured a nightmare start to his Gunners career in the 2-0 defeat to West Ham on the opening day of the new Premier League season.

However, Cech showed some good handling and strong positional sense as Arsenal responded with a 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace on Sunday.