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Wonder-goal Van Persie: ‘I’m not really on form’
Arsenal striker claims you have to look at the whole picture
ARSENAL striker Robin Van Persie scored the goal of a lifetime and then claimed he was still searching for his best form.
The Dutch forward was the match-winner against Charlton on Saturday with two goals including his wonder-strike volley.
But afterwards he said: “It’s difficult to say whether I’m in great form or not. If I’m really honest, I’m not in great form if you look at the whole picture.”
Van Persie is facing a weekly fight for a place in the first team with Emmanuel Adebayor, Theo Walcott and Julio Baptista eager to partner Thierry Henry in the Arsenal attack.
He said his dramatic intervention against Charlton was eye-opening but that it was more important to get the three points as the Gunners try to force their way back into the title race.
Van Persie said: “I thought at first the ball would go over the bar but in the end it came just under. It was a fantastic goal but it was important for the team because Liverpool lost and Chelsea dropped points as well.
“The confidence is starting to come back and everyone realises we can keep winning.”
Manager Arsene Wenger said he was turning into the player he had hoped he would when he signed him from Dutch team Feyernoord two years ago.
The Arsenal chief said: “When he came here he had to adapt physically. Today he is much stronger. You would be surprised how he resists challenges that he didn’t two years ago.”
• Meanwhile at White Hart Lane, Danny Murphy’s Tottenham nightmare is over – and he has vowed to repay the faith shown by head coach Martin Jol, writes Dan Carrier
Murphy, 29, a £2 million January transfer signing from Charlton, had failed to cement his place in the Spurs team since moving across London.
But now, having played three games in a row and scoring his first goal in Spurs colours at the weekend, the midfielder said he was determined to make the centre berth his own.
Speaking after the 2-1 victory against Portsmouth, Murphy said: “I have been waiting a while to get in the team, and that has been hard. But when you do finally get a run in the team, it really builds your confidence, instead of playing the odd game here and there.” |
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