Next match vital now, insists Rosicky

By Jim van Wijk

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

TOMAS ROSICKY believes how Arsenal respond to the bitter disappointment of defeat to Chelsea will shape the remainder of their campaign.

The Gunners once again came up short against the Blues as they were out-muscled 3-0 at Emirates Stadium on Sunday, with Didier Drogba scoring a brace.

While manager Arsene Wenger stressed things could have been different but for the decision of referee Andre Marriner to rule out Andrei Arshavin’s effort at the start of the second half for a foul by Eduardo on Petr Cech, there was no denying the gulf between the two sides’ ability to produce when it matters most.

Without injured Holland striker Robin van Persie – who will be missing until at least April because of ankle ligament damage – Wenger’s young side lacked a creative spark in the final third, as Eduardo, then both substitutes Theo Walcott and Carlos Vela all failed to make an impact against the Blues’ solid backline.

Following a second successive Barclays Premier League defeat, the Gunners are now 11 points adrift of Chelsea back in fourth spot, although they do have a match in hand on the sides above them.

Rosicky, who was also sent on during the second half to try to revive Arsenal’s fortunes, believes the immediate response from the team – with a midweek trip to Manchester City in the Carling Cup and then Stoke the visitors to Emirates Stadium – will be key to ensuring they can yet salvage a campaign which had started full of promise.

"The next match is vital," the Czech midfielder said.

"After a defeat like this, you need to have a good reaction, if not it will be even more difficult. It will be very tough to win the title now, we know that, but to let the season fall apart now would be the biggest mistake we can make.’’

Rosicky added: "It is difficult with Robin out, but I thought this game was the chance for other players to step in. We tried to play our usual football against Chelsea, but they defended very well and in the final third we produced almost nothing – that was the main reason we lost."

Rosicky feels Chelsea – who have restored their five-point lead over Manchester United – possess the qualities needed to go on and deliver the title.

"If Chelsea continue to play like that, then it will be difficult for anyone to stop them," he said.

"But everything can still happen – they will lose some players to the African Nations Cup, and could get some injuries."

Rosicky has just returned to full fitness following a frustrating 18-month spell on the sidelines, which before this season saw him last start a match during January 2008.

The 29-year-old – signed from Borussia Dortmund in May 2006 – is hopeful an agreement can be reached to extend his contract, which runs out of the end of the season and means he could talk to other clubs in the new year.

"The situation has not changed," Rosicky said. "The boss told me he wants me to stay, I would like to stay as well, so we will see."

Wenger is likely to mix things up in terms of team selection for the trip to Eastlands tomorrow night. He said: "The Carling Cup is a competition that is not one of our priorities, but we go to Manchester City to win a game.’’

The FA, meanwhile, are to investigate the throwing of a camera – on to the Emirates Stadium pitch during the first half, which caused play to be briefly stopped by the referee.

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Tuesday, December 01, 2009