A Homecoming for Tomas Rosicky
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Today sees Arsenal kick off their European campaign as they travel to the Czech Republic to face Sparta Prague in the first leg of their 3rd Round Qualifier in the UEFA Champions League. Now on the surface this appears to be no more than a nice jaunt into central Europe where the team hopefully comes away with a good result to set them up for the return leg later in the month back home at the Emirates.
However this will be a special road trip for Arsenal player Tomas Rosicky. Rosicky used to play for the Czech club in his younger days. But that's not all. Rosicky said this in regards to returning to Prague, "My brother played for Sparta Prague and my father played for Sparta Prague so it is a bit emotional. It will be strange for me because I have feelings for the club." The manager Arsene Wenger expects Tomas to shine even though it will be emotional and the fact that he will be under extra scrutiny. All in all it should be an interesting time for the club and hopefully they come through without conceding an early goal, which is one habit I hope the team breaks quickly.
The rest of the squad is pretty much unchanged from the group that opened the Premier League season this past Sunday against Fulham. Two additions are travelling though, Justin Hoyte and Armand Traore will be available for Arsenal. And yes Jens Lehmann, who admitted that the gaffe he committed on Sunday to gift Fulham the early lead was perhaps his worst first touch ever, will get the start in the nets.
So an emotional time for sure upcoming and here's hoping that the Gunners come away with a good result, C'mon you Gunners!
