West Ham goalkeeper Adrian has defended the performance of Arsenal's Petr Cech in Sunday's Premier League meeting between the two sides.

Cech, a new arrival at the Emirates Stadium following a summer move from rivals Chelsea, had been heralded as the man the Gunners needed to help mount a sustained title challenge this year.

But the 33-year-old was guilty of conceding two soft goals as West Ham recorded a shock result of the opening weekend - with Cheikhou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate both beating Cech with efforts the Czech Republic international would have been disappointed to concede.

Despite plenty of criticism, Cech had the backing of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and Adrian was also keen to defend a man who he holds in very high regard.

"That is the life of a goalkeeper," the Spaniard said.

"The goalkeeper can leave with a save or a mistake, sometimes you are the hero and sometimes you are the worse keeper.

"But Petr Cech is one of the greatest keepers ever. You can have a mistake but the last seasons from him at Chelsea he has been outstanding. He is a great goalkeeper and I'm sure he will show his best in the next game."

The victory at Arsenal followed an unexpected early exit from the Europa League after manager Slaven Bilic took a much-depleted West Ham squad to face Astra Giurgiu in Romania last week.

Despite that result, Bilic has made a positive early impression on everyone at the club, with Adrian enjoying working under the former Croatia and Besiktas coach.

"It was a great start to the season," he said.

"We have a lot of confidence to keep working for the next game on Saturday. We were solid in defence and in attack we were so affective. It has changed a little, Slaven wants to play the ball more from the goalkeeper to the defence, keep possession.

"We have a lot of players in attack who can cause problems for other teams. With the old players and new signings it is a stronger squad. The last season at Upton Park is an emotional one for everyone."

As well as Cech, another goalkeeper attracting plenty of attention is Manchester United's David De Gea - as his future remains unclear with a move to Real Madrid still on the cards.

The 24-year-old is from Madrid and was dropped from United's opening day victory over Tottenham as manager Louis van Gaal said the Spaniard's head was not in the right place.

Adrian has played in the Primera Division for Real Betis and believes De Gea would be a perfect fit for Real Madrid as they look to replace Iker Casillas.

"It is a strange situation for him," Adrian said.

"It is his decision - the transfer window is open until the end of August. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and I'm sure that if he goes to Real Madrid he could make the same performances or better.

"I haven't seen De Gea in training but it was Van Gaal's decision, I think De Gea wants to finish his bad situation - whether that is with Real Madrid or still at Manchester United."