Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has hailed the signing of goalkeeper Petr Cech.

The Czech goalkeeper was back to his normal self against Crystal Palace after a less-than-assuring debut against West Ham United on the opening day of the new Premier League season.

After coming away from Selhurst Park with a 2-1 win on Sunday, Mertesacker spoke of the positive influence Cech has had on the playing since his summer move from rivals Chelsea.

"He is very experienced," the German defender said. "You can feel that, he has lots of things to say in the dressing room he gives us a great lift.

"Even when we lose a game, he has some great ideas on and off the pitch. He is very important for us and a good addition.

"He is experienced enough to think about what went wrong [against West Ham], you don't have to tell him. My feeling is he comes back even stronger, so there is no doubt he will be a great addition for us."