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Camden New Journal - by STEVE BARNETT
Published: 4 October 2007

van Persie backs young gunners

Gunner’s striker hits back at critics who predicted a tough
season for Arsenal

ROBIN van Persie has hit back at Arsenal’s pre-season critics after insisting that he warned them that it would be a mistake to underestimate Arsene Wenger and his team of talented young guns.
The Dutch striker watched from the sidelines as pundits predicted a season of struggle and disappointment for the Gunners following the departures of Thierry Henry and Freddie Ljungberg. Arsenal were even being tipped to lose their place in the top four after a lack of summer spending at the Emirates – a fear that seemed to be reinforced by rival clubs such as Spurs investing heavily in the transfer market.
But van Persie, who scored the winning goal against Steaua Bucharest on Tuesday night, knew there was nothing to fear, and that Arsene Wenger’s cut price Gunners were ready, willing and able.
“I began very early this season. I first started just with Theo [in June] and then the other lads joined. What I saw was a great togetherness, a great belief and a great, great quality. I saw it every day. Day in, day out.” Van Persie told the club’s official site.
“I understand the view from the press and friends because they were not there every day. I was and this is what I saw. Yes it was early but I told you at the Amsterdam Tournament this is what I felt. However when I spoke, everyone was laughing.
“I know it is not there and not finished but, at the start, we knew we could surprise. Now 10 or 11 games into the season people are like ‘whoa this Arsenal side are a good team’.
“If we can stay together then we can do some amazing stuff in the future. We are doing it now already but we are not at the end. This is not the end-product but we are progressing every week that we play.
“I said this before and it is not something that I am going to change. If we get a trophy then we are winning it with a good team if we miss it then we are still a good team. But this is our aim and if it happens I’ll be a glad man.”

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