Cech shines in Gunners win

London, Sept. 24: Unai Emery saluted Petr Cech after the Arsenal goalkeeper’s superb display set the stage for Sunday’s 2-0 win over Everton.

Emery’s side were under the cosh in the first half at the Emirates Stadium, but Cech came to their rescue with a series of fine saves.

Having survived Everton’s opening salvo, the Gunners clinched their fourth successive Premier League victory thanks to second half goals from Alexandre Lacazette and PierreEmerick Aubameyang.

Lacazette’s sublime strike will stand the test of time, but Aubameyang’s was more fortunate as the Gabon forward was clearly offside.

While the predatory form of Arsenal’s strikers was encouraging for Emery, the Gunners boss was more heartened by his team’s first cleansheet of the season.

It was a well-timed display from Cech after the former Chelsea star was replaced by pre-season signing Bernd Leno for Europa League win over Vorskla Poltava.

Emery’s decision sparked claims Cech was on the way out, but the Arsenal captain had other ideas as he rolled back the years with a vintage display. American fans will be licking their lips if this is what awaits Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium in January after Barcelona and Girona played out an enthralling 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou on Sunday.

There were four goals, one for Lionel Messi and two for Girona’s Cristhian Stuani, not to mention a controversial red card shown to Barca defender Clement Lenglet.

Gerard Pique salvaged a point for the hosts to complete his own blockbuster night, after clearing one shot off the line and making mistakes for each of Girona’s goals.

By the end, Barca had surrendered their perfect record in La Liga, as well as a two-point advantage over Real Madrid. They return to the top of the table, but only on goal difference. Girona move up to sixth. — AFP

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