Arsene Wenger has praised the mentality that Petr Cech provides Arsenal with in the big games.

The Czech Republic international joined the Gunners in the summer from Chelsea and has since established himself as the number one goalkeeper at the Emirates Stadium.

Speaking after his side had beaten title rivals Manchester City 2-1 last night, Wenger insisted that Cech's influence should not be underestimated.

"He has brought his experience, his calmness and his leadership as well. He has been good and highly focused," he told the club's official website.

"I don't want to be detrimental to David Ospina because he was exceptional last year, but Petr Cech has done it all. He is someone who gives you an aura, a charisma that is always important in the big games for the players.

"You always look around you in the dressing room before a big game and you think, 'Are we strong enough?' These kind of faces help you to believe it. Also in the big games, the number of shots on target shrinks. But then the one save can be the difference in the end result."

Next up for the second-placed Gunners is a trip to Southampton on Boxing Day.