Arsenal goalie Petr Cech matches David James' Premier League clean sheet record

New Delhi: Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech on Sunday matches David James' English Premier League clean sheet record after their 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park.

It was his 169th clean sheet in England's top flight, equaling former Liverpool and Manchester City goalkeeper, who also served as the player–manager at Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League.

But the Czech has reached the milestone in lesser number of games, in 349 against James' 572 appearances.

Cech joined from Arsenal from rivals Chelsea in a £10m deal last summer and has impressed for the Gunners, going unbeaten in seven top flight fixtures to help the club to the Premier League summit.

He will have his first opportunity to become outright holder of the record when Arsenal host Manchester City on December 22 at home.

Leicester City's reserve stopper Mark Schwarzer is in third place with 151 clean sheets from 514 appearances.