Last updated: 4th August 2008
Van Persie: Staying positive
Robin van Persie is confident of forging a lethal strike partnership with Emmanuel Adebayor.
The Dutchman was plagued by injuries last season and rarely linked up with Adebayor in attack.
But the pair started together in Sunday's 1-0 victory over Real Madrid and Van Persie feels they can develop a good understanding.
"We showed that Ade and I have a few nice combinations together," said Van Persie.
"That is really important for two strikers, you always have to work together, you always have to look for each other. Hopefully this is a good start."
Van Persie is hoping to stay injury-free from now on and he believes a positive approach will help him enjoy a successful season.
"I learned a lot in the last two years because I have been injured so much," he explained.
"I learned what my body can take and what it can't, so it was an interesting period for me.
"I hope next season will not be so unlucky with injuries.
"I just do not want to think about that negative stuff. If you think positive, you get positive."
Midfielders Mathieu Flamini, Alexander Hleb and Gilberto have all left Emirates Stadium this summer but Van Persie has played down the significance of the departures.
He accepts that it is important for Arsenal to pick up some silverware this season and insists the Premier League title is a realistic target.
"Players leaving is part of football, those things happen," he said.
"Flamini was a free agent, so he could make this decision. Alex went, but this is football and has been happening for many years.
"Of course, I wanted everyone to stay, but this is not how life is.
"Arsenal have to win something every year, that is our aim. If it is not happening, then everyone is really disappointed.
"I think any of the top four can win the title.
"I am not going to say we are going to win it because you never know - they do not know, we do not know either.
"But I want to win as much as possible. After all, this is Arsenal."

A look at the best pictures as Michael Owen completes a surprise move to Manchester United.
Pictures from the unveiling of Real Madrid's reported £56 million signing at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Pictures from the Under 21 championship semi-final between England and Sweden in Gothenburg.
Pictures from England's draw with Germany in the last Group B game of the Under 21 Championships.
A look at the best pictures as Michael Owen completes a surprise move to Manchester United.
| Time | Fixture |
|---|---|
| Saturday 18th July | |
| Friendly Match | |
| 15:00 | Barnet vs Arsenal |
| Monday 20th July | |
| Friendly Match | |
| 19:30 | Lincoln City vs Arsenal |
| Wednesday 29th July | |
| Friendly Match | |
| 19:45 | Hannover 96 vs Arsenal |
| Saturday 1st August | |
| Friendly Match | |
| 16:15 | Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid |
| Sunday 2nd August | |
| Friendly Match | |
| 16:15 | Arsenal vs Rangers |
| Saturday 15th August | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 15:00 | Everton vs Arsenal |
| Saturday 22nd August | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 15:00 | Arsenal vs Portsmouth |
| Saturday 29th August | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 15:00 | Man Utd vs Arsenal |
| Saturday 12th September | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 15:00 | Man City vs Arsenal |
| Saturday 19th September | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 15:00 | Arsenal vs Wigan |
| Saturday 26th September | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 15:00 | Fulham vs Arsenal |
| Saturday 3rd October | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 15:00 | Arsenal vs Blackburn |
| Time | Result |
|---|---|
| Sunday 24th May | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Arsenal 4 - 1 Stoke | |
| Saturday 16th May | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Man Utd 0 - 0 Arsenal | |
| Sunday 10th May | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Arsenal 1 - 4 Chelsea | |
| Tuesday 5th May | |
| UEFA Champions League | |
| Arsenal 1 - 3 Man Utd | |
| Saturday 2nd May | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Portsmouth 0 - 3 Arsenal | |
| Wednesday 29th April | |
| UEFA Champions League | |
| Man Utd 1 - 0 Arsenal | |
| Sunday 26th April | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Arsenal 2 - 0 Middlesbrough | |
| Tuesday 21st April | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Liverpool 4 - 4 Arsenal | |
| Saturday 18th April | |
| The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON | |
| Arsenal 1 - 2 Chelsea | |
| Wednesday 15th April | |
| UEFA Champions League | |
| Arsenal 3 - 0 Villarreal | |
| Saturday 11th April | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Wigan 1 - 4 Arsenal | |
| Tuesday 7th April | |
| UEFA Champions League | |
| Villarreal 1 - 1 Arsenal | |
| Saturday 4th April | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Arsenal 2 - 0 Man City | |
| Saturday 21st March | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Newcastle 1 - 3 Arsenal | |
| Tuesday 17th March | |
| The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON | |
| Arsenal 2 - 1 Hull | |
| Saturday 14th March | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Arsenal 4 - 0 Blackburn | |
| Wednesday 11th March | |
| UEFA Champions League | |
| Roma 1 - 0 Arsenal | |
| Sunday 8th March | |
| The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON | |
| Arsenal 3 - 0 Burnley | |
| Tuesday 3rd March | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| West Brom 1 - 3 Arsenal | |
| Saturday 28th February | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Arsenal 0 - 0 Fulham | |
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 0 | 0 |
| 2 | Aston Villa | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | Birmingham City | 0 | 0 |
| 4 | Blackburn Rovers | 0 | 0 |
| 5 | Bolton Wanderers | 0 | 0 |
FanZoner Ali May gives his take on Arsenal's season - and it does not make good reading for one player!
James Dall looks ahead to a defining transfer window for Arsene Wenger and Arsenal football club.
Felipe Melo has reiterated he is happy at Fiorentina despite ongoing reports linking him to Arsenal.
Emmanuel Adebayor's agent insists the player has no plans to quit Arsenal this summer.
Felipe Melo's agent has stressed that the midfielder has not opened talks with another club.
St Etienne midfielder Blaise Matuidi has declared that he wishes to leave the Ligue 1 club.
Fiorentina are open to the sale of Felipe Melo to Arsenal with Emmanuel Eboue involved in the deal.