Van Persie hails team display

Flying Dutchman praises Gunners after vital win

By Steve Pass   Last updated: 30th November 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Van Persie hails team display

Van Persie: Scored brace

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Robin van Persie said it was a 'big win' after his brace secured a vital victory for Arsenal over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The Gunners went behind on 31 minutes through Johan Djourou's own goal before Van Persie netted twice in three minutes to turn the game on its head.

He equalised on 59 minutes with a fine effort into the top right-hand corner from the edge of the box, although replays showed he was offside.

The Dutchman then added a second three minutes later with a great left-footed effort on the turn into the bottom right-hand corner past the despairing dive of Petr Cech.

Big compliments

Van Persie told Sky Sports 1: "It was a big win. In the last 20 minutes we showed a lot of character, a lot of discipline so big compliments to the whole team because it was a tough game."

Asked why it was such a big win, he added: "Because playing against Chelsea on their ground and when you go 1-0 down, you know it's going to be really difficult and if you come back and win the game in the end I think that shows it all."

He added: "It is not my day, it's our day. I was the one who scored the two goals but that doesn't really matter. It was our day - the whole squad really gave extra of everything."

William Gallas was stripped of the Arsenal captaincy after he publicly criticised his team-mates, including criticising one unnamed 25-year-old player for not showing him enough respect.

No problem

It has been reported that player is Van Persie but the Dutchman denied he had a problem with the former Arsenal captain and hugged the France defender before the match.

Van Persie said: "There wasn't a problem at all (between him and Gallas). He's just a respected colleague of mine and a good player so there is no problem at all."

The flying Dutchman concluded that the victory would boost confidence in the Gunners' dressing room.

"If you win the game like that it gives you a lot of confidence and this is what we need at the moment," he said.