7. Tomas Rosicky

There was perhaps no finer sight in pre-season than Tomas Rosicky back in Arsenal colours.
 
After no fewer than 18 months on the sidelines, the Czech midfielder played 45 minutes of Arsenal’s friendly clash at Barnet and was named captain by Arsène Wenger. He followed up that outing with a long-awaited comeback appearance on home soil in the Emirates Cup at the start of August. Tomas almost marked this comeback with a goal, but a clinical right-foot finish from the edge of the area was ruled out for offside.
 
He was inevitably described as “like a new signing” and, although the man himself disagrees, it is an understandable viewpoint. Before picking up the injury after nine minutes of an FA Cup tie with Newcastle in January 2008, the long-time Czech Republic international had racked up 61 appearances and 13 goals in his first two seasons with the Gunners. The fact may have faded a little in his absence, but Tomas is a senior first-team face.
 
And, despite his lengthy lay-off, Tomas has lost none of the craft, cleverness or final-third invention which make the 28-year-old one of Arsenal’s match-winners. As with most long-term injuries, the midfielder’s return has been interrupted by a string of minor problems. However, player, manager and fans alike know that, at long last, Tomas Rosicky is back.

 

MY YEAR

January

Tomas scored twice in the five Arsenal games he featured in during January. He bagged a stoppage-time equaliser at home to Everton and his 44th-minute goal against Bolton kick-started Arsenal's comeback from two goals down to beat the Trotters 4-2 at Emirates Stadium. Speaking after the game he told Arsenal TV Online the comeback showed that the team has the mental strength required to "achieve something big" this season. "It shows that this team is very strong and we have mental strength and that is great," he said. "If we can turn games like this it shows that this team can achieve something big."

December

Tomas started Arsenal's first two games of the month but didn’t feature again until the Portsmouth game on December 30 due to a groin injury. Arsène Wenger promised the midfielder a new contract, a move the manager says shows his faith in the Czech. "I look first for the quality of the player, at his attitude and his leadership," he said. "The injuries can happen to anybody. He is not responsible for what happened to him. I want to extend his contract so that shows you how patient I am. I think he can return to his previous level."

November

Tomas played in all five of Arsenal's November fixtures and manager Arsène Wenger hinted that a new deal could be close for the Czech midfielder. "We are talking at the moment and I am optimistic of finding a solution," said the manager. After Arsenal's defeat to Chelsea, Tomas told his team-mates not to give up in the title race. "We have to keep going, and try our best because there is still a long way to the end of the season," he said.

More Tomas Rosicky News