Arsenal FC

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Robin relishes central role

03 Nov 2009 - 10:03:41

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Arsenal's Dutch forward Robin van Persie is relishing his new role as the spearhead of the Gunners' attack.

The 26-year-old has scored six times in his last six games, including a double in the 3-0 north London derby win over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.

He told the club's matchday programme ahead of the Spurs clash: "In the last four or five weeks I've felt much better.

"I've had to get used to the new role, because I previously played as a second striker and now I'm operating as a main striker, so I needed to find my way in.

"To my mind, earlier in the season I lost too much energy working defensively and needed to find the right balance. It's really important for the team that I have enough energy to score goals and make assists, as well as helping out in other ways.

"I feel that in the last few weeks I've found that mix, of having the energy to do my offensive work and contribute defensively.

"It was hard in the first few weeks to really find my way - the second striker and striker are very close to each other on the pitch, but at the same time there's such a difference between the two roles."