Arsene Wenger: 'Petr Cech one of best goalkeepers to play in Premier League'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said that he has not been surprised by the performances of goalkeeper Petr Cech since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium.

Despite rarely being used by Chelsea last season, Cech is just one clean sheet away from equalling David James's record of 169 shutouts in the top flight, a total that can be reached in Sunday's North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

Six of the Czech's clean sheets have come this season, and Wenger feels that the 33-year-old is one of the best goalkeepers to grace the Premier League.

The Frenchman told reporters: "I believe there is no coincidence. It's just class, consistency and quality, and knowing him well after a few months, I am not surprised. He analyses everything.

"He is gifted, super-talented and he is one of the greatest goalkeepers ever seen in this country. He plays in a position where age is less of a restriction than in any other job. I think 37 or 38.

"Some go longer but once you start to have a "four" the intensity is more difficult. Van der Sar was close to 40 and still doing well."

Cech has made a total of 344 appearances in the Premier League since moving to England in 2004.