Bernd Leno: 'I must work hard to play for Arsenal'

Goalkeeper Bernd Leno has said that Arsenal manager Unai Emery "pushes" him to hold on to the number-one position at the Emirates Stadium.

Leno joined the Gunners from Bayer Leverkusen during the summer only to find himself kept on the substitutes' bench at the start of the season, but an injury to Petr Cech gave the German an opportunity to impress at his new club.

The 26-year-old has managed to retain his place in the team - despite Cech's return to fitness - but the stopper has insisted that he does not feel that his position in the side is safe.

Leno is quoted by the London Evening Standard as saying: "It gives me confidence to play in big games like Saturday, but he [Emery] pushes us because nobody is safe to play. Both of us will play many games this season."

The 1-1 draw with Liverpool at the weekend was Leno's ninth game in all competitions.