Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech believes the team's win against fellow English Premier League title contenders Manchester City was a 'six-pointer'
Petr Cech
London: Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech believes the team's win against fellow English Premier League title contenders Manchester City was a "six-pointer".
Petr Cech. Pic/AFP
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Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud scored in a 2-1 win at the Emirates on Monday, which moved Arsenal four points clear of third-placed City in the standings, while also keeping the Londoners two points behind leaders Leicester City.
Cech was unable to keep a clean sheet as Yaya Toure struck a late consolation, but the Czech Republic international lauded Arsena's performance in the victory.
"I think it was a six-pointer. Leicester won their game and their game away and we needed to close the gap again," he said.
Olivier Giroud (second from left) celebrates with teammates after scoring Arsenal's second goal against Man City on Monday. Pic/Getty Images, AFP
"Manchester City were one point behind us so it was a very important game. You could see we were ready and we put in a good performance. In the second half we pushed harder and the last 15 minutes we were more tired and we put in a magnificent effort.
"They scored a goal out of nowhere and I have to say it gave them confidence and motivation for the last minutes so they pushed hard for the equaliser but I thought we were brilliant and this is why we managed to see the game out."
Toure's goal meant Cech was unable to eclipse David James to become the league's all-time clean sheet holder with 170, but he said he is happy to wait as long as Arsenal keep winning.
"In this game it is far more important to win 2-1 that have a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw," the 33-year-old said.
"I'm happy with the three points and the record can wait. If it means we win 2-1 every game until the end of the season, I will take it."