Petr Cech admits the position as Arsenal No 1 is still up for grabs despite winning the race to start against Manchester City on Sunday.

The former Chelsea goalkeeper's role as first-choice goalkeeper appeared to be under threat after the summer arrival of Bernd Leno from Bayer Leverkusen.

But Cech started in the opening-day defeat by Manchester City to make a number of crucial saves to ensure the Gunners weren't embarrassed by the rampant champions.

Petr Cech was given the nod to start for Arsenal's in their opening-day Premier League clash

Nevertheless, the experienced shot-stopper is adamant he is not in permanent possession of the shirt, insisting new manger Unai Emery could yet make a change.

'The manager has not told me I am now first choice,' said Cech. 'I was told I was starting the game (against Manchester City) and it will be up to me how well I play.

'It was a challenge and obviously I was happy to get the nod today but nothing is finished.

'We all came to the pre-season to fight for the spot, every player always wants to be in the line-up and it is the same with us goalkeepers.

Cech made big saves in the 2-1 defeat by Manchester City, including from Aymeric Laporte

The Czech keeper was also alert to deny Sergio Aguero one-on-one in the second half

But he did almost score a bizarre own goal when he passed just past his right post

'If you ask Bernd he will say the same, he worked hard and fought for his place in the team and will continue to do so - I will be working hard to retain my spot.

'It is as simple as that, if you perform you have a chance to play as many games as you can and I will do that.' However, at times Cech appeared to be uncomfortable with Emery's instruction to play out from the back - nearly scoring a bizarre own goal in trying to pass out wide to a team-mate.

But the keeper is adamant he is at ease with the philosophy of building from defence, saying: 'I'm comfortable with playing from the back.

Cech was given the nod over summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen, Bernd Leno

'You play the best way for the team and I think that in a way if you want to dominate the game through possession you need to use every player.

'You can see at this level that one versus one is difficult to play so you need to use the goalkeeper as a spare man every time you can - that is the role of the goalkeeper.

'If you play for a team who is happy to play a long-ball and a completely different way then the keeper plays a different way - but for what we want to do I think it is going to be important.'