'Little Mozart' must orchestrate Arsenal's title charge: After wonder strike at Spurs, Rosicky can finally realise his potential

By Colin Young

Published: 08:30 EDT, 17 March 2014 | Updated: 08:51 EDT, 17 March 2014

Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey; it is an injury list which continues to make depressing reading for Arsene Wenger and Arsenal fans and which has seriously damaged their title challenge.

If ever the Gunners manager needed a man to step out of the shadows and into a starring role in his midfield, it is now.

And that man is Tomas Rosicky. What a way for a 33-year-old to celebrate the reward of a new two-year contract.

Stun Gun: Tomas Rosicky (right) and Olivier Giroud celebrate the goal which won the north London derby

Czech mate: The playmaker (centre) let fly with a unstoppable shot in just the second minute

Team spirit: Arsenal are still well in the title race despite recent hiccups thanks to Rosicky's strike

White Hart shame: Spurs had no answer to Rosicky's strike during another dismal defeat

Little Mozart: Rosicky imagined as the world-famous composer in our mocked-up image

When the final whistle blew at White Hart Lane on Sunday afternoon, the Sky cameraman rushed on to the pitch to hunt down the Czech Republic international whose second-minute wonder goal had settled the north London derby in Arsenal’s favour.

The reaction of his team-mates to the attention drawn to a player who, while in Germany, had earned the nicknamed ‘Little Mozart’ for the way he orchestrated games, revealed a great deal about the Czech captain. They were laughing and trying to hold him in place for the cameras. Rosicky just wanted to get out of there.

And it was even more evident in the post-match interview as Rosicky squirmed in front of the camera and interviewer - like a teenager making his television debut, not a player who is just six caps shy of making a century of appearances for his country. Hardly renowned for his pace on the pitch, Rosicky couldn’t get away quick enough once he had handed over the man-of-the-match award to Per Mertesacker.

While he may be the reluctant superstar in the Arsenal ranks, happy to leave team-mates to grab the attention and headlines, Rosicky is happy enough performing on stage with a guitar in his hand. International and club colleagues have witnessed this hidden side to Rosicky.

And there is no hiding the value to teams too. Steady, understated and hardworking, Rosicky still has the vision and intelligence to prise teams open. He has made significant contributions to the Arsenal cause throughout his seven years when not hindered by injury, as he was five years ago when a serious hamstring problem ruled him out for an entire season

The two-year deal Rosicky signed earlier this month for the Gunners sums up Wenger’s feelings on a player who joined Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund in 2006, having become the Bundesliga’s record signing when he left Sparta Prague for £13million five years earlier.

Blow: Mesut Ozil is out of action with a hamstring injury following a period of poor form

Down and out: Jack Wilshere is also on the sidelines due to a fractured bone in his foot

We've seen this before: Rosicky celebrates another north London derby goal in 2012

National pride: The creative midfielder has won a huge 94 caps for the Czech Republic

Little Mozart: Rosicky joined from Borussia Dortmund in 2006, where he earned his musical moniker

Back of the net: Rosicky beats Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen to score for Arsenal in 2007

‘I have spoken many times of Tomas’ class and contribution,’ said Wenger. ‘Not only on the pitch but off it as well, and the new contract reflects that. He does not always get the credit he deserves.’

He does when he scores in the derby. Rosicky sealed legendary status with that wonder winner, adding to his other goals in the FA Cup win earlier this season, and the 5-2 win two years ago, which was actually his first goal in two years. If Rosicky wants to save his best for the derby days, no Arsenal fan will be complaining.

Those, like Wenger, who see him every day know his contribution stretches way beyond important goals in the most important game of Arsenal’s season. And they will be delighted that will continue at the Emirates until Rosicky decides he has had enough of the limelight.