Van Persie Gives an Extra Dimension for Arsenal

Robin van Persie After Scored Against Chelsea in Stamford Bridge

Arsenal are a "totally different team" when Robin van Persie is firing on all cylinders.

That was the verdict of Theo Walcott after the captain grabbed a stunning hat-trick at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to help Arsenal to a 5-3 win over Chelsea.

Van Persie has now scored 28 goals in 27 Premier League games in 2011 and Walcott says the Dutchman is showing everyone what he can do when he's free of injury.

"It [his scoring record] just shows how important he is to this team," Walcott told Arsenal Player.

"He's had so many injuries and it shows that when we have a fit Robin throughout the season we are a totally different team.

"It's not a one-man show but Robin gives us that extra dimension, one that we never quite had before. We're happy and hopefully he'll stay fit and keep banging in the goals."

The Arsenal Maneger Arsène Wenger says Robin van Persie’s role in the Arsenal team is now set in stone.

Van Persie’s treble continues an incredible run of goalscoring form and has vindicated Wenger’s decision to alter the Dutchman’s position when Arsenal first adopted a 4-3-3 formation.

“We are a team that goes forward a lot and players spend a lot of time in the final third.

“His movement is exceptional and his confidence is so high that he takes advantages of all situations. I believe that the captaincy has helped too.”

Source: Arsenal.com