Gunner ready for ‘very big game’

Rosicky prepared for Latics battle

By Zain Alvi | 16th April 2012

Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky has emphasized the importance of tonight’s Premier League fixture at home to Wigan Athletic, insisting that the Gunners have no room for error.

Rosicky’s terrific recent form has been a major factor in his side’s firm grip on the third place in the league standings.

The Gunners have won eight of their last nine domestic fixtures to leapfrog a competitive group of rivals, including London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, as well as a resilient Newcastle United side.

To be precise, their lead is five points over the Spurs and the Magpies, and another two points on the sixth-place Blues.

Nevertheless, Rosicky won’t be satisfied until the third position is completely locked up.

Last season, Arsene Wenger’s men crumbled under pressure to go from second place to fourth in the last few weeks of the season, prompting the likes of Rosicky to take nothing for granted.

In the case of tonight’s match, particular caution needs to be exercised given that the opposition is an in-form Latics side that is fighting bravely to avoid relegation.

“Wigan beat Manchester United on Wednesday, so that’s an indication that it will be a tough test for us. We’ll have to be on top of our game to win, no doubt about it,” Rosicky told the Official Arsenal Magazine.

He added: “Wigan have some very good players and a good young manager, so this will be a very tough match for us. We have a great chance to stay in [third] position, but now we have to make sure of it.

“That starts against Wigan on Monday – and make no mistake, it’s a very big game for us. People might not usually regard a match against Wigan as such a big one, but they are still battling relegation, so there is a lot at stake for both of us.”

Another reason why Rosicky is confident that the atmosphere this evening is going to be top-notch is the loud support offered by the Gunners faithful inside the Emirates Stadium in the last few weeks.

“Recently, the atmosphere at our home games has been absolutely amazing – the team can feel it and it is a big help for us. It is a great feeling to have the supporters so passionately behind you for the whole 90 minutes,” the 31-year old Czech international concluded.

Ahead of tonight’s match, Wigan sit two points clear of Bolton Wanderers in the 18th place but the Trotters have a game in hand.