Rosický returns with a bang

Hamburger SV fans would have been forgiven for thinking that lightning does indeed strike twice after a second-half Tomáš Rosický thunderbolt helped Arsenal FC seal a 2-1 victory in the UEFA Champions League Group G opener in Germany.

Dortmund memories
A €12m summer signing for the English Premiership side from BV Borussia Dortmund, the recently appointed Czech Republic captain had proved the bane of Hamburg last March, scoring twice to inspire the Ruhr team to a 4-2 win, having been 2-1 down midway through the second half. Rosický was in the Arena Hamburg again last night, although this time decked in the yellow of Arsenal, not Dortmund. The result was similar, though, and with the visitors leading 1-0 eight minutes after half-time Rosický hammered in a stunning second from 25 metres.

'Lucky shot'
It left observers wondering if he saves something extra for this stadium although the 25-year-old had a different take on things. "It was just a very lucky shot for me," he told uefa.com. "Actually, this ground is where the Czech Republic fell to Italy at the [FIFA] World Cup [2-0 in the group stage]. I'm glad I can replace those memories of the city with more positive ones." His goal doubled Arsenal's advantage against the ten-man hosts, adding to Gilberto's early penalty before Boubacar Sanogo made it 2-1 in injury time.

More to come
Rosický spent five and a half seasons in Germany with Dortmund, but was keen to downplay the importance of his return to the country. "The match wasn't particularly special for me, but I am obviously glad about how the trip ended," he said. Still, his contribution was sufficient to earn uefa.com's man-of-the-match award and he warned Arsenal's Group G rivals: "I can play much better - I will have to." That will be a worry for Thomas Doll's side, who face last season's finalists again on Matchday 5. Surely lightning cannot strike thrice?