Van Persie eyes top three finish

Robin van Persie has a “strong feeling” that Arsenal can finish in the top three this season.

The club have impressed in the last two weeks with consecutive wins over Tottenham (5-2), Liverpool (2-1) and AC Milan (3-0), and the Gunners’ captain has been buoyed by their improved run of form.

“I have a strong feeling that we can finish third,” van Persie told The Sun.

Finishing third would give Arsenal automatic qualification for next season’s Champions League for an impressive 15th successive year.

“That would be quite an achievement, something to be proud of as a club,” he said.

“We want to continue that record because Arsenal needs that Champions League place and I think the club deserves it because of its incredible history in the competition.”

The Dutchman has notched up a remarkable 32 goals so far this season and expressed his delight at showing what he believes he has always been capable of.

“I always had the feeling that it was in there but for various reasons I couldn’t show it,” van Persie said. “Maybe it was my age and sometimes I was injured.”

“It’s great to be finally showing that I can do it. That’s what I’ve always wanted. I am happy in my game, happy in my life.”