Arsenal goal-scoring talisman Robin van Persie has hailed the club’s ability to respond to back-to-back losses versus AC Milan and Sunderland, winning their last four games in all competitions.
The Gunners began their winning streak on February 26 against bitter north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, when they commendably came from 2-0 down to rout Spurs 5-2 at the Emirates Stadium.
On March 3, Arsenal took on Liverpool, who defeated Wenger’s side in the reverse fixture at the Emirates.
But this time around, the Gunners prevailed 2-1 courtesy of a sublime volley by none other than Robin van Persie.
Next, Arsenal took on AC Milan at the Emirates, having lost the first leg of the tie 4-0 at the San Siro.
The rampant Gunners netted three first-half goals, giving them 45 minutes to even the tie. Unfortunately, they couldn’t get the equalizer but spirits were high nonetheless.
More drama ensued on March 12, when Arsenal hosted Newcastle United in the English Premier League. The Toon grabbed an early lead following a cracking near-post striker by Hatem Ben Arfa.
Van Persie responded immediately, erasing Newcastle’s lead in just 51 seconds.
However, the real drama took played in the 95th after Thomas Vermaelen sent the home crowd into a frenzy following his late injury-time winner.
All things considered, Arsenal are playing their best football of the season at the right time. Subsequently, spirits are high, and rightfully so.
“If you look at the last couple of weeks, we showed we have a lot of character in our side,” Van Persie told Arsenal Player.
“After the two defeats to [AC] Milan and Sunderland, everyone was like ‘this is going to be a tough couple of weeks’ because we had games against Spurs, Liverpool, Milan and an international week and then Newcastle. Yet we won every game, so we showed lots of character. We can be proud of that.”
The Gunners surge has put them in great position to guarantee UEFA Champions League football at the Emirates in 2012-13.
Not only is Arsenal three points clear of Chelsea for fourth place, but they are now just one point behind Spurs in the race for third, setting up a dramatic finale to the 2011-12 Premier League season.
Arsenal’s toughest remaining fixtures, versus Manchester City and Chelsea, are both at the Emirates, while their away games are against Everton, Queens Park Rangers, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion.
Sandwiched in between those fixtures are matches against Wigan Athletic, Aston Villa and Norwich City.
In other words, the Gunners remaining schedule is quite favorable. As a result, I fancy their good form and fortunes to continue, which will ultimately lead to a Champions League qualifying place for Arsenal.
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