Rosicky's Our Man Again

So then, with four wins in a row and and 7 wins out of our last 9 in the Premier League, we are now the form team in the league; and it couldn't have come at a better time. Where in years past we were the team that always suffered a traditional late-season collapse (the reason we failed to win the 2007-08 Premier League title), now for two years running we've hit form in the latter stages of the season. This year it's especially important we continue: Champions League football hangs in the balance.

But exactly what is it that's contributed to our strong end-of-season form? First is necessity. Last season and this we've found ourselves at the end of January in 5th, needing to improve to be in the coveted top four. This necessity has brought out the best in the players again. So often when our backs are against the wall, and it seems all is lost, we produce moments of magic to save ourselves humiliation. It's all about the mentality, and when we need it, we always seem to find it. 

Second is experience. When Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri left in the summer of 2011, Le Boss was forced to go out and rebuild the squad quickly. He bought such players as Per Mertesacker and Mikel Arteta. Players with experience. Lucas Podolski and Santi Cazorla, bought last summer, have almost equal levels of experience. In addition, the remaining members of the squad have done some growing up of their own, Theo Walcott for example. The squad as a whole is now older and more experienced.

This experience often shows when the situation is grim and results are sorely needed. The "business end" of a season is when the contrast between inexperience and experience becomes clearer than ever. Lately, we've been producing when it matters, showing how far we have indeed come. 

One man has exemplified our squad's experience and consistently found form at the end of the season: Thomas Rosicky. Said Arsene Wenger after the victory at West Brom on Saturday, "He’s an important player for us...every year he gives us a little push at the end of the season. That is very important." Indeed he does.

I've always been a big fan of Rosicky. He truly deserves the nickname he earned whilst playing in Germany: Little Mozart. He dictates play, has the perfect touch, excellent vision, and once in a while even an eye for goal (remember this beauty? http://youtu.be/yUAr1Qagefs). He's a beauty to watch. 

Arsene Wenger expressed his hope that our number 7 will finish his career at Arsenal. I hope so too. While his fitness hasn't always been the best, when he is fit, he's deadly. And if he continues in his current form, he may, for the second season running, inspire us to reach the Champions League once again.

Is Rosicky worth the patience he's been shown over the last few years with his injury struggles? How much of a part will he really play in the run-in. Leave your thoughts below. 

Fab 4