• Premier League

Win or bust for RvP against Spurs

ESPNsoccernet staff
February 25, 2012
Robin van Persie claims it is vital Arsenal respond following recent setbacks © Getty Images
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Robin van Persie believes Arsenal must "put the record straight" and beat Tottenham in the North London derby at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Arsenal are in the final Champions League place on goals scored alone, though that may not be the case at kick-off with Chelsea playing at home to Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

Their participation in Europe's elite club competition is now hanging in the balance with elimination almost certain after they lost 4-0 at AC Milan in the first leg of their last-16 tie.

To make matters worse, arch rivals Tottenham, who have never finished above Arsenal in the Arsene Wenger era, are ten points ahead of them in the Premier League table.

"What better way to set things straight again than to beat Spurs?'' Van Persie told Arsenal's Official Matchday Programme. "I would rather be playing them now than on any other day, and we know that a win is absolutely vital.

"I don't think anybody would deny that Spurs have a really good side - and they've added consistency this season. They are winning the tougher games and, as a result, have made that next step towards the top teams.

"Spurs have invested a lot of money over the past few years, and when you look at the figures it's reflected in their league position.

"They are above us for the first time in many years, but it is in our hands to change the way things are going, win the game and start moving closer to them.

"A draw will not be a good result for us [on Sunday], either in our bid to catch up with Spurs or in our efforts to fight off our other challengers for a Champions League place.''

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