Van Persie reminded of Arsenal

Striker believes Holland played like Gunners

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 11th June 2008

Van Persie reminded of Arsenal

Van Persie: Happy with Dutch style

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Robin van Persie has expressed his pride after Holland 'played like Arsenal' in the 3-0 victory over Italy on Monday.

Holland kicked off their Euro 2008 campaign in style as they scored two stunning breakaway goals to add to Ruud van Nistelrooy's controversial opener.

Van Persie came on for the final 20 minutes and he admits Holland's performance reminded him of Arsenal at their best.

"It is how Arsene Wenger likes us to play at Arsenal," the striker said in the Daily Star.

"In so many ways Arsenal are like Holland.

"The world loves to see football like this and it would be fantastic if Holland could win the European Championships playing with such style. The passing and movement was perfect.

"Arsenal deserved to win something and now Holland has the chance to end the season on a high.

"Everything about us reminds me of Arsenal. We have the ability to counter-attack with stunning power and pace."

Turning point

The Gunners could not maintain their excellent form last season and Van Persie has urged his Holland team-mates not to make the same mistakes.

He recalled: "We lost momentum at Birmingham last season. That was a turning point when things started to go wrong.

"Holland must make sure here it doesn't happen.

"If success can be measured in confidence then we have a chance of winning this tournament.

"I think it would be great for the game if we did."