Thomas Vermaelen has hailed Tomas Rosicky's recent efforts for Arsenal after the midfielder scoring a brace last week to put the Gunners in the hunt to leapfrog Tottenham's in the Premier League.

Spurs are currently fourth, and as a result of a 2-2 draw with Everton at the weekend, Andre Villas-Boas' men have given Arsenal, who have a game in hand, the chance to snatch away fourth place.

Part of that achievement has been as a result of Rosicky's brace against West Brom at the weekend, to gift the north Londoners their third win in a row despite going down to 10 men after Per Mertesacker's dismissal

And Vermaelen couldn't praise the star enough, saying he is currently playing near perfect for the north London side.

Tomas Rosicky
Tomas Rosicky has been technically perfect, Thomas Vermaelen says. Reuters

"Tomas scored two good goals so we are all pleased for him," he told the Arsenal website.

"The first one was not easy, because it looked like a hard cross from Gervinho. It was a good move and ball from Gervinho to set it up and a great finish from Tomas. I didn't have a good view of his second one, but it looked like a nice volley."

Vermaelen insisted that while Rosicky, who will miss the visit of Norwich City through injury, has faced setbacks this season, he has become an integral member of the squad both on and off the pitch.

"Tomas has always been a great player for us," he explained. "He has been unlucky with injuries this season but his technical qualities are amazing.

"He's a popular guy around the Club, he's been here for a long time, he knows everyone and we all get on with him because he is really relaxed. On the pitch he is reliable, always available to receive the ball and his technique is almost perfect."

Arsenal have seven matches left to earn qualifcation for the Champions League but their recent performances, wins at Swansea City and West Brom in particular, coupkled with Tottenham's recent troubles, suggest they possess the momentum.

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