Arsenal 'keeper Petr Cech ties Premier League clean-sheet record

Sunday's comprehensive 2-0 win at Villa Park marked Arsenal's return to the top of the Premier League table, and for summer signing Petr Cech, the result against Aston Villa provided an additional individual distinction.

Cech's 169th career clean sheet tied him with well-traveled David James for the most in Premier League history.

The decorated, 33-year-old Czech international will have an opportunity to set the record when Arsenal hosts Manchester City on Dec. 21.

James, a 53-time capped England international, collected his 169 clean sheets playing top-flight football with Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham, City, and Portsmouth.

Fourth on the list for most Premier League appearances (572) behind only Ryan Giggs, Frank Lampard, and Gareth Barry, the angular shot-stopper needed 238 more matches to set the top-flight standard than Cech, who's made 334 appearances for Chelsea and Arsenal.

Cech joined Arsenal from rival Chelsea in the summer - Arsenal's only activity during the transfer window - and has been a symbol of consistency for the Gunners. He has started all 16 of their Premier League matches, with ten victories, three draws, and three losses.