Keeping a clean sheet at Villa Park on Sunday, Petr Čech equalled the Premier League record for clean sheets.
After weeks of chasing down David James’ record of 169 Premier League clean sheets, the 33-year-old’s defence finally helped him to his own 169th in the Premier League.
“It’s an unbelievable personal achievement,” the goalkeeper said to Sky Sports straight after the match. “I hope the final number will continue to grow and help us stay top of the league to fight for the title.
“I’m obviously delighted to have equalled the record but more delighted to be top of the league.”
Arsenal will be top of the league until Monday night at least, when Leicester face Chelsea. Should the Foxes fail to win, the Gunners will remain top of the table until next weekend.
Next up for Arsenal is the visit of Manchester City. Petr Čech could make the Premier League clean sheets record his own on what is Arsenal’s biggest night of the season so far.
“I don’t believe anyone questions Petr Cech today,” Arsène Wenger said after the match. “He’s an absolute all-time great in goal and the record speaks for him.”
Already a Chelsea and Premier League legend, a clean sheet against Manchester City would help Čech towards becoming an Arsenal legend too.
His attitude is fantastic, and he deserves all the success he manages in north London.