Tomas Rosicky believes that it was Arsenal’s home form in the final months of the season which wrecked their Premier League title chances, but dismissed suggestions circulated by teammates that the last gasp defeat to Birmingham City in the Carling Cup final was a damaging mental blow which was too difficult to overcome.
The Gunners picked up only one Premier League win at home following February’s Wembley heartbreak, drawing three further matches and losing in the penultimate game of the season to the Aston Villa. The string of results saw Arsene Wenger’s side slip from second to fourth in the table and left them facing a tricky Champions League qualifier at the end of the month.
Reflecting on the frustrating collapse, Rosicky gave his assessment to Arsenal.com:
“When we lost the Carling Cup Final even a lot of players said that it went wrong from there but I don’t agree with that.
“There was still a long time to go in the season and it would have been enough had we just won our home games. We lost so many points at home and it would have made all the difference.
“Setbacks like the Carling Cup do affect you but you have to go on and move on. It was in our hands and I still believe it will be in our hands this season if we produce the football we played before.
“The experience will be important and I hope everyone has gained from what happened last season.”
The Czech international, who appears to have finally regained a level of fitness which could see him prove a useful squad member, also stressed that he remains desperate to win a trophy at the Emirates despite the constant setbacks during his five year tenure in North London.
“I think we are stronger, firstly because what happened last season, the experience of it all, will help us.
“It was disappointing because we were close to winning something and the last two months were not good.
“But all this stuff has to push us more and more because we are capable of winning something. It must be like this.
“It’s very simple – I would like to win a trophy. It doesn’t matter which one. It’s very simple, all we want, all the players and the Arsenal community – the fans – is to win.”
The man makes sense.
Once upon a time the greatest player in the Bundensliga at his time and that is no exaggeration. Never the same since his injury but if he doesn’t perform this season he must go. I’d have no problem seeing him go now but I don’t think any bid is forthcoming. But would love to see him become that wonderful playmaker again.
I agree V. That injury seems to have lost him a yard of pace and he doesn`t shoot from outside the box as much as he used to. I can remember that great strike he got against the US at 2nd last WC. It had been announced that we`d bought him. I was so excited.
In hindsight, his goal against USA in WC ’06 was a fluke. His first and last great strike.
What.a.man!
This is a guy who has experience (!) and dares to make his own analysis of things rather than jump on some excuse (admittedly he had some time to think – a luxury many other never had).
But it seems like the comments of a captain, and since ours seems otherwise occupied, I welcome them from a player whose attitude is indisputable!
Rosicky was an instrumental part of the problem last season. Better players have been shown the door. He always look good pre-season, but in fact Rosicky booked his warm seat at Arsenal, he has a desire to finish his football career in that position.
Re: THe Bearman. Don’t why but I have the urge to defend the fella. Rosicky has undoubtedly played below par the last couple of seasons but I can’t see how he has been instrumental in our now firmly established end of season collapse. Does deserve to be transferred but because of his insignificance and loss of his once Arsenal worthy ability.
I like Rosicky alot, however I think his point is flawed somewhat, one of the biggest issues is, when we get in a good position, one loss and the jitters hit straight away, we don’t bounce back and win.
By the end of last season, I thought Rosicky had to be shipped out in the summer. But with us losing possibly Cesc or Nasri, we need an experienced guy who can cover those guys. He could be a valuable squad player this season. Besides, he owes this club big time!
I think Rosicky gets treated harshly, he had that long injury spell which completely bewildered everyone, and his goals have dried up of late, but he’s always running, always trying to make something happen. (not shy in tackle either)
While not as potent as he has been, he isn’t as dreadful as some people make out. He has started preseason well enough and if he finds some form then we have a very tidy player in our squad.
I think Rosicky gets treated harshly, he had that long injury spell which completely bewildered everyone, and his goals have dried up of late, but he’s always running, always trying to make something happMen. (not shy in tackle either)
While not as potent as he has been, he isn’t as dreadful as some people make out. He has started preseason well enough and if he finds some form then we have a very tidy player in our squad.
What I find most disturbing is the fact you consistently read my mind. I also think it’s bloody good because it means I’m not alone in my thoughts. Yes Rosicky suffered from his injury long afterwards but despite some poor performances last season he also put in some solid ones. Remember this is a guy who rarely played in comparison to others and didn’t use that as an excuse. I really hope with a return to full fitness this guy can show us the player we know he can be. Even if he has lost some pace his cool head… Read more »
Sorry for double post, iPhone is being a prick.
Only on one occasion has this guy stood up and been counted and that was against Liverpool in the FA cup when he scored 2 goals. the only other times he seems to score is when we are cruising to victory or a scabby consolation. Hope he proves me wrong this season but I seriously doubt it.