Graeme Souness waves away critics of Arsenal's Petr Cech

Former Liverpool manager Graeme Souness has defended Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech after he was blamed for the Gunners' defeat to West Ham United.

Cech joined Arsenal from Chelsea for a fee in the region of £11m, but he had a debut to forget as the Hammers ran out 2-0 winners at the Emirates Stadium.

Souness told Sky Sports News: "Don't judge him after one game. Arsenal will not be far away again, Petr Cech will still be one of the best goalkeepers in the world come the end for the season, and he will prove that.

"I am standing my ground on a very solid platform. He has never been anything other than a top-class goalkeeper, and he will continue to be just that."

Arsenal face Crystal Palace next weekend.