Nigel Winterburn told Sky Sports News he hopes Robin van Persie will not lose faith in Arsenal.
Dutch forward unhappy at decision to withdraw Oxlade-Chamberlain
Former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn hopes Robin van Persie will not lose faith in the club following the defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.
Danny Welbeck scored a late winner for the visitors at the Emirates Stadium despite Van Persie cancelling out Antonio Valencia's opening goal in North London.
Arsenal face a tough task if they want to ensure qualification for next season's Champions League and Van Persie could attract potential suitors as he is out of contract in the summer of 2013.
The Dutchman appeared disconsolate at the final whistle and was clearly annoyed when Arsene Wenger opted to replace Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with Andrey Arshavin against United, but Winterburn hopes he will keep believing in the Gunners.
"I know Robin van Persie loves the football club. What was slightly worrying yesterday was his reaction when (Alex) Oxlade-Chamberlain was brought off and also at the end of the game," he told
Sky Sports News.
"He was staring into the abyss. You wonder what he was thinking there.
"It was almost like 'oh no not again, we got ourselves into a great position and we've let it slip'.
"I hope he stays. I think Arsene Wenger will be looking at himself and the players he's got at the football club to analyse where it has gone wrong for Arsenal.
"They've got to re-focus for the end of the season, try and get into fourth position and I hope he will re-strengthen the squad in the summer."
Wenger abuse
Winterburn was not surprised by the level of abuse aimed at Wenger following his decision to withdraw Oxlade-Chamberlain and believes it is a consequence of Arsenal's stuttering campaign.
"No it didn't shock me at all, there is a lot of frustration from supporters at this moment in time," he continued.
"It comes on the back of the poor finish to last season, the start to this season particularly with the defeat to Manchester United and then Blackburn away. They picked up some terrific results but they have been very rocky in the last seven games.
"It's the manner in which they have lost games that has left Arsenal supporters frustrated."
On Arshavin, he added: "I never believe that a player goes on to the field of play and doesn't try, but I must admit that when you look from the outside it is looking as if he's completely lacking in confidence.
"It does look at times that he doesn't want to be in this country and I think the way that the winning goal was set up for Manchester United - you expect a player in that position to have focus and make it hard for the winger.
"With only Chelsea drawing, they are five points behind fourth place. Somehow Arsene Wenger has to get the players back fit, re- galvanise them for the finish to the season and there is still an outside chance of them finishing fourth. But they are making it very difficult for themselves."
