Sebastian Larsson: We'll keep our cool

Apr 14 2008 By Colin Tattum

SEBASTIAN Larsson said Blues remained calm despite the battle to avoid the drop taking another twist.

Larsson insisted they were always prepared for a tense scrap with Reading, Bolton Wanderers and Fulham, while Wigan Athletic - away at Chelsea tonight - are still not clear.

"We more than deserved to win the Everton game," said the winger, who is hoping knee damage is not so serious to keep him out of Sunday's derby against Villa. "I don't know if there was much we could do about their goal but it was one of those scruffy ones again.

"We are still above the relegation zone and that is all that matters, with one less game to go.

"We kind of expected Bolton to win at home to West Ham but they have got three tough away games now.

"We can't panic too much, we came back against Everton and got a point and we will stay positive.

"Their 'keeper had a blinder, we played well, we got a point so let's move on."

Larsson saluted Mauro Zarate for his superb free-kick in the 83rd minute.

"It was a great strike," said Blues' regular free-kick king. "We were practising early on together in the week and he was banging them in like that.

"He struck it really well but I when I am back, he is off them again!"

Larsson looked on from the sidelines due to a knee injury he suffered in the sixth minute and was unable to run off.

"It wasn't down to any real contact with their player (Leighton Baines). I've gone to block his shot and it has opened up exactly the same thing I had a couple of weeks ago, against Newcastle.

"It is the second time in a short period I've done it. Back then I recovered for the next game and that is what I am desperate to do." That next game just happens to be at Villa Park and Larsson said: "Villa will be confident after the win at Derby but so will we. It's a massive game so we will be up for it."