Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Čech has insisted that his side were in control throughout Sunday’s 2-0 win against Aston Villa.

After a big win in midweek, the Gunners took an early lead at Villa Park, and stretched the advantage to two goals shortly before half-time.

However, Villa came out for the second half and looked far more dangerous. Arsenal saw the game out and won 2-0, and 33-year-old goalkeeper Petr Čech said afterwards that Arsène Wenger’s men were always in control.

“I think we were in control although I know it’s always difficult when you have a great performance and massive win in midweek then you have to switch back to the Premier League,” he told Sky Sports immediately after the match.

The win took Arsenal to the top of the Premier League, and the clean sheet was an added bonus for Čech, who equalled David James’ Premier League record of 169 games played without conceding a goal.

“I think we’ve done really well today to be focused and resolute at the back,” the former Chelsea man added.

“Overall we controlled the game to get three points.”

The performance wasn’t atypical of the Chelsea side Čech played for last season, with two early goals and a comfortable lead seen out by a decent defensive display. The Blues are nowhere to be seen in this season’s title race, so Arsenal’s clash against Manchester City next Monday could be viewed as something like an early title decider.

Hopefully Arsenal’s recent strong form continues. They will need a lot of focus and, you’d have though, another reassuring performance from Čech to extend the advantage over City.