Arsene Wenger has hailed the importance of Petr Cech after the goalkeeper helped earn Arsenal a point in their 1-1 draw with North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

The 33-year-old, who was beaten by Harry Kane in the first half, pulled off smart saves to keep out Christian Eriksen and Toby Alderweireld after the break as the Gunners struggled.

Kieran Gibbs then volleyed home an equaliser on 77 minutes, and Wenger says that Cech - his only signing in the summer - arguably laid the foundations for winning the point.

Asked by Arsenal's official website how many points the ex-Chelsea man could save the Gunners, the Frenchman said: "I don't know. I have not done the mathematics yet.

"But he has shown again how important he is and that maybe goalkeeper is maybe the most underrated position in football because there is a moment where he can keep you in it.

"If you go 2-0 down its bye-bye."

Wenger's men missed the chance to move two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table, staying second on goal difference.