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Bernd Leno sends class message to Petr Cech after staking claim for Arsenal No.1 spot

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Bern Leno played a key role in Arsenals win over Watford (Picture: Getty)

Bernd Leno insists he hopes Petr Cech returns from injury as soon as possible despite having benefited from the Arsenal No.1s injury.

The Germany international has been forced to bide his time and wait for an opportunity to impress since his £19million summer move from Bayer Leverkusen.

Cech has started all seven of Arsenals Premier League matches so far this season, with Leno restricted to just two appearances in the Carabao Cup and Europa League.

The 26-year-old was, however, instrumental in Arsenals win over Watford on Saturday after replacing Cech, who suffered a hamstring injury, in the 48th minute.

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It was a difficult start when you dont think youre going to play and then Petr is injured – I hope he will get well soon, said Leno.

It was a good game for me with a difficult start, but I think that I made some good saves and we kept a clean sheet, so Im happy with my first game in the Premier League.

You can think too much, but I have to warm up to concentrate on the game. I was good in the game, so it was good for my feeling for my self-confidence. I had a solid game.

Bernd Leno replaced Petr Cech in the 48th minute against Watford (Picture: Getty)

Unai Emerys side extended their winning run to seven games in all competitions courtesy of two late goals and Leno praised the team spirit in his new side.

He added: I think for me everything is new, the club, the country and the football a little bit, so the two games in the Carabao Cup and the Europa League were very good for me to improve and get the confidence because goalkeepers are in a special position.

You need a feeling with your defence and your players, so it takes some games. Those two games were very important for me.

Of course I didnt play so many games, but my feeling was very good and I feel like the team is very nice. The club is like a family and I love this, so lets keep this going on.

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Emery, meanwhile, expects Cech to be back in three weeks to contest the No.1 position with Leno ahead of games against Leicester, Sporting and Crystal Palace.