The experienced Czech Republic international was forced into making second-half saves from Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud to ensure the European champions travelled back to Stamford Bridge victorious.

Cech, whose team are three points clear atop the English Premier League, said his side needed to be more clinical.

"It was a pity we did not add a third as we had plenty of speed on the counter-attack," Cech told the club's website.

"We were not calm enough when finishing, and it was nervous up until the end."

The 30-year-old spoke about the importance of victory against a previously unbeaten Arsenal who had impressed in the opening stages of this season.

"It was our first meeting with one of our main rivals this season," Cech said.

"Moreover, we were away so the three points were very valuable. We wanted to stay on top of the table and we managed to do that."