Petr Cech: Why victory over West Ham was crucial for Arsenal

PETR CECH insists three points against West Ham was vital for Arsenal to keep the pressure on Premier League leaders Chelsea.

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Arsenal went into the clash at the London Stadium knowing Chelsea were six points ahead of them in the table following their 3-1 victory at Manchester City.

And the Gunners got off to the perfect start in east London when Mesut Ozil opened the scoring before Alexis Sanchez scored twice to put the Hammers in trouble.

Andy Carroll pulled one back for West Ham, but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain restored the three goal lead before Sanchez completed his hat-trick with a masterful chip to seal a 5-1 win.

Arsenal star Petr CechGETTY

Petr Cech insists Arsenal's win against West Ham was crucial in the title race

We knew what we had to do and we did it in a very professional way, so we are happy

Arsenal star Petr Cech

The victory saw Arsenal move up to second place in the table and Cech insists the three points were crucial.

"It became a kind of must-win game for us when Chelsea won and obviously the gap opened to six points," goalkeeper Cech told Arsenal’s official website.

"We knew what we had to do and we did it in a very professional way, so we are happy.

Arsenal star Alexis SanchezGETTY

Alexis Sanchez starred for Arsenal against West Ham with a hat-trick

"We had a lot of opportunities in the first half but it wouldn't go in. 

“In the second half at 1-0 their keeper made some fantastic saves and you think it could still be a dangerous scoreline.

"I know a lot of people would have been a bit anxious, but we showed the maturity not to panic and we kept going. We thoroughly deserved the goals for our performance."

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