Arsenal Football Club News

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

• Ground:Emirates
• Capacity:60,432

Wenger hope over van Persie

31 Aug 2008 - 11:52:18

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hopes Robin van Persie's ankle injury is not serious after the Dutchman limped out of Saturday evening's 3-0 win against Newcastle United.

Van Persie, who scored the first two goals in the comfortable victory before Denilson added a third, will have an X-ray to determine the extent of the problem.

Wenger said: "We do not know yet. He has to have an X-ray on his ankle. Hopefully nothing is broken.

"He is the link between the midfield and the strikers, which is very important in the game we want to play.

"Robin showed that when he is good shape physically, he is a very important player for us."

Of his side's display against Kevin Keegan's side, Wenger added: "I am very pleased with the performance, both offensively and defensively. It was a complete one, there was great balance in the team, with movement.

"Apart from at the start of the second half, we were always in control and played the game we love, and showed the way we can play.

"The improvement comes from a completely different attitude. We showed that against Twente and did it again tonight.

"The Fulham match had come at the start of the season after difficult games, including one away in the Champions League and maybe we were not ready mentally."