Charlie Nicholas believes the presence of Petr Cech has given Arsenal a much-needed kind of calmness.

The veteran goalkeeper has been influential since arriving at the club from Chelsea in the summer and former Gunners star Nicholas praised his composure in the wake of Wednesday night's 3-0 Champions League win over Olympiacos.

On a night where the old Arsenal may have gone too gung-ho in the search of their three goals, Nicholas felt Cech was a major factor in keeping things serene for Arsene Wenger's team.

"It's as well-balanced a set up as I've seen," he said on Sky Sports.

"To accept you are the team who must win by two clear goals, your first instinct with Arsenal is to be on the front foot.

"But there's something about Cech that has given them a reassurance, a calmness to the defence. I think it shines through in the players.

"We talk a lot about character, resilience and spirit in the team. I think Arsene Wenger was embarrassed in Bayern Munich, and some of the other early games.

"But after tonight, the way they've responded, they've earned the right to be there."