Van Persie is a lengend in the making- Thiery Henry
The captain’s solitary goal in the 1-0 win over Everton leaves him on 33 goals in 32 Premier League games this calendar year. Henry managed 34 in 39 back in 2004, while Alan Shearer, back in the days of an extended campaign, chalked up 36 in 42.
With four games left until we welcome in 2012, if Van Persie adheres to the mean average of 1.03 goals per game that he has set himself this year, he will surpass both legendary marksmen. Trips to the Etihad and Villa Park, followed by the hosting of Wolves and QPR represent the chance for Van Persie to crystalise a record that spells out on paper, in black and white, his remarkable achievement.
Yet, Van Persie’s contribution to Arsenal is so much more than just numbers.
As has so regularly been the case this season, the Dutchman stepped up to conjure one moment of magic to plunder all three points for an Arsenal side that has flattered to deceive when on the front foot.
This time round it was an audacious first-time, left-footed volley from Alex Song’s raking pass that flew in off the far post when the Gunners were seemingly all out of ideas and destined to be held to a tepid 0-0 draw that would have juxtaposed the backdrop of the day in the ugliest of manners.
With a wry smile in the press conference after the game, Arsene Wenger gestured towards the historical familiarity of Arsenal and the 1-0 win. The boss was quick to attribute praise to his side’s defensive solidarity though, in fairness, Everton’s goal threat was non-existent.
It was a 1-0 win that, rather than being built on rigid stoicism or masterful organisation, served to further underline the importance of Van Persie’s clinical disposition to the Arsenal team. Nevertheless, it was a scoreline that encapsulates an Arsenal return to fortunes of old.
Indeed, the result proved even more symbolic than that, with the – albeit potentially temporary – propulsion of the Gunners back into the top four of the Premier League table.
It was a day that began with pomp celebration of the history of Arsenal Football Club but ended with Robin van Persie further proving his vital significance to the Gunners of the here and now.
