Rosicky proud of Arsenal team

The Gunners netted three times in the first half at the Emirates to put themselves in touching distance of making amends for their 4-0 thrashing in Milan, before failing to net in the second period. And, despite his disappointment at his side's narrow failure, Rosicky believes that his team-mates can be proud of themselves for their efforts. "I am proud of my team-mates because what we produced today was great football, but it's sad because obviously we are out of the competition," Rosicky told the club's official website. "We can go out with our heads held high but we blew it in Milan. "We knew [that we would be making history if we came back] and that's what the boss told us in the pre-match speech. Who wouldn't want to be part of something special? So of course we were up for it and I think you could see that. So it's a shame. "The early goal was definitely a big boost for us, when you score so early it gives you a boost. "Even if we hadn't scored so early we would have kept coming because you have to do that, you have to keep pounding the rock. An early goal makes you think it's possible so it was vital." The Czech midfielder also explained his goal, Arsenal's second of the night, which saw him cleverly slotting the ball past Christian Abbiati to give the Gunners hope. "To be honest I saw that the keeper was moving already to the middle of the goal, I saw his legs moving away from the near post so I tried to place it there and it paid off,” he added. "We had a big opportunity to score the fourth one as well. But always you come back to the game in Milan."