Rosicky does not fear Blues

Arsenal midfielder demands aggression

By Vasek Kadlec   Last updated: 28th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Rosicky does not fear Blues

Rosicky: Determined

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Tomas Rosicky has urged Arsenal to show more aggression in their Premier League clash with Chelsea on Sunday.

The Czech Republic midfielder believes the Gunners are the most gifted side in the division but admits they do have weaknesses.

They have struggled at times in the past when opponents have adopted a physical approach, with Sunderland battling hard for a surprise 1-0 victory at the Stadium of Light last weekend.

Rosicky accepts that it will be difficult to compete with Chelsea in this aspect and has challenged his team-mates to stay focused when defending set-pieces.

"Technically we are definitely the best team in the country. But when we are up against opponents like Sunderland who try to be aggressive against us, we can't just think we will win because we are technically great," Rosicky said in The Sun.

"Everyone knows Chelsea are a physical team with very strong players who go into every challenge. But if we match that physical side, we will beat anybody.

Massive game

"It's a massive game on Sunday and Chelsea are looking very good. Everyone at the club knows we are not allowed to lose this game and fall 11 points behind even if we have a game in hand.

"Our team is very strong and the quality is there, but we have to be aware of conceding goals from set-pieces.

"Chelsea against Manchester United was an even game decided by one header from a free-kick while we lost at Sunderland to a corner.

"But we have nothing to be scared of. We are very strong at home."

Rosicky is convinced that Arsenal can overcome Chelsea despite the difference in stature between the two sets of players.

He said: "The last time I played against Chelsea we beat them 1-0. They had a similar line-up to now while we had myself, Cesc Fabregas, Alex Hleb and Mathieu Flamini in midfield, not exactly big guys.

"So I don't agree they're too strong for us. If we match their approach we will win."

Liverpool

Arsenal will fall 11 points off the pace if they lose to Chelsea but they would still remain in a better position than Liverpool, who have endured a miserable start to the season.

The Reds' title hopes have already been written off in some quarters but Rosicky thinks it is far too early to draw any conclusions.

"There is still a long way to go until the end and this competition is very unpredictable," he told deniksport.cz.

"We score four goals against Wigan and a week later they beat Chelsea. There's no logic in that! I wouldn't be writing off anyone just yet.

"Obviously, Liverpool's lack of points will make the league interesting because you have to be wary of Manchester City and Aston Villa.

"Moreover, Tottenham are scoring plenty of goals. That's seven teams."