• Premier League

Rosicky: Spurs revived our season

ESPN staff
April 8, 2013
Tomas Rosicky was Arsenal's match-winner at West Brom © Getty Images
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Tomas Rosicky feels the North London derby defeat to Tottenham was a turning point in Arsenal's season and believes their improved run since then is no coincidence.

The Czech Republic international said Arsenal have learned the lessons of the 2-1 loss on March 3 and thinks their confidence received a huge boost from beating Bayern Munich in Germany in their next game.

It was the first of a run of four successive wins as Arsenal, who were seven points behind Spurs at the time, have since mounted a strong challenge for a top-four finish.

Rosicky said: "When we lost to Tottenham, we did two stupid mistakes and were punished for it. We tried to correct it. And you could see the improvement in Munich, it was much better. We know what our problems are and we're trying to solve it."

Rosicky scored both goals in Saturday's 2-1 win at West Brom and was pleased with the spirit Arsenal showed when they were down to 10 men after Per Mertesacker was sent off.

He added: "The last couple of games we've produced some good football. It always gives you confidence when you win in Munich and when you have such a difficult game [on Saturday], where in the last 20 minutes, we've got our backs against the wall. It gives you a big lift."

It was only Rosicky's second league start of the season and the 32-year-old said: "It's difficult when you're not playing. You want to be part of the team. Only way you can get into the team is through hard work.

"You have to convince the manager that you're part of the team. That's what I am trying to do. Everyone wants to play. I am very glad to contribute again. I hope I can continue like that."

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