Robin van Persie has insisted he still has a good relationship with Arsene Wenger and would never question the Arsenal manager's judgement.
Van Persie says his relationship with manager is still good
Robin van Persie has insisted he still has a good relationship with Arsene Wenger and would never question the Arsenal manager's judgement.
Wenger's decision-making in Sunday's game against Manchester United has been scrutinised after he replaced the impressive Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with Andrey Arshavin for the closing stages.
Supporters made their feelings of disappointment clear and Van Persie also appeared to react with frustration to the substitution.
However, the Holland striker has clarified the situation and also revealed the teenager had picked up a calf injury.
Van Persie told
The Sun: "I was not having a go at the boss on Sunday - I was just sad to see Alex leave the pitch as he just gave the assist for our only goal.
"I was not questioning his judgement - I know it's not my place to challenge what Arsene Wenger does.
"Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain had a calf injury. We did not know that but the boss did and brought Andrey Arshavin on."
He added: "The manager and I are fine and my relationship with the club is good.
"There is no problem, there is no conflict and there is no controversy.
"The boss knows that, I know that and the players know that."
Don't write us off
Van Persie remains committed to trying to help the club achieve success this season and says fans should stay positive despite the loss to United.
The defeat left Arsenal five points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea but Van Persie is still confident of securing UEFA Champions League qualification, while he has set his sights on winning some silverware this term in both Europe and the FA Cup.
"We are not giving up on a top-four finish, no way," said the Dutchman.
"Losing to Manchester United was a setback - but it is not a knockout blow.
"The way this season is going I think it's pretty safe to say there will be a lot more surprises before the Premier League season is over.
"There's plenty of games still left, we have recovered from reverses like this before and we will win again.
"So anybody writing us off is making a mistake. This could still be a good season for us.
"We have the FA Cup to look forward to and the Champions League.
"We will all be giving 100 per cent to make sure we bring one of those trophies home, hopefully both of them.
"Let's all stick together and fight."
