Source: London_Paper
Arsenal forward Robin van Persie determined to prove critics wrong
ROBIN VAN PERSIE admits the Arsenal players are determined to prove their critics wrong this season and feels the spirit in the squad is at an all-time high as they bid to win major silverware.[LNB]Arsene Wenger's side were given no chance of landing any major trophies this year following the sales of Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure during the summer and their failure to sign any big name replacements.[LNB]But the north London club have shown they have the quality to compete with the big-boys by thrashing Everton 6-1 in their opening league game and recording an impressive 2-0 win over Celtic in the Champions League qualifier on Tuesday night.[LNB]Van Persie believes the players have been deeply hurt by all the criticism surrounding the club and they are determined to have the last word by winning a major competition.[LNB]The Holland international said: "The season is still young but we have played two important games. I think we showed in both that we really want to fight for each other and if we can produce that every three or four days, we can make a big step forward. Hopefully then we can have a great season.[LNB] "Maybe being written off [in the media] brings the players a little closer together but we will see what happens. [LNB]"I don?t want to say too much because I don?t want to make the 'enemy' cleverer than they are![LNB]?But if you look at the first two games, we played well. Our targets are as high as last year and if we can stick together and stay together and work hard for each other, we can make it a good season."[LNB]Summer signing Thomas Vermaelen has played a crucial role in Arsenal?s impressive start to the season and has wasted no time settling into his new surroundings following his £10m move from Ajax during the summer.[LNB]Vermaelen admits the presence of William Gallas alongside him has made him feel at home straight away and feels they can form a lethal partnership at the heart of the Arsenal defence as they prepare to face Portsmouth at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.[LNB]The former Ajax defender said: ?He is very experienced. For me it?s much easier to play in a side with him because of that. I have already learned a lot from him.[LNB]?For us as defenders it is very important [to keep clean sheets]. I have enjoyed the last two games a lot. I like the English way of football, the atmosphere and desire of it. For me I like it a lot and I like to play.[LNB]?I feel very pleased and we have a good team with good quality and I like the players. I?m settling in very well I think.?[LNB]
