Van Persie – We needed a ‘comfy’ game

By Rob Kelly

Robin van Persie believes the 7-1 victory against Blackburn was the ideal “comfy” game for Arsenal after a difficult run of matches.

The Dutch striker bagged a hat-trick as Arsène Wenger’s side got back to winning ways in the most emphatic manner on Saturday to claim their first victory of 2012.

Van Persie says that after the frustrating 0-0 draw at Bolton three days earlier, the win against Blackburn proved to be the perfect tonic.

"It was needed after a couple of hard weeks to have a game like this. It was the first time we had a game like that,” he said.

“We had a couple of comfy games [this season], against West Brom and one or two others, and the rest were basically hard. On Saturday, we made it easier for ourselves.

"We played well against Bolton. It sounds a bit strange because we missed so many chances but we were a bit unlucky maybe.

“Against Blackburn we had eight or nine chances and scored seven. Against Bolton, we had six or seven chances and didn't score. I don't think we played badly against Bolton."

Van Persie admitted that Arsenal had something to prove against Blackburn after a difficult winless run in the league.

"Definitely. When you get one point out of 12 you are having a hard time. Everyone realised that,” he said.

“We had a good start [to the game]. It was a bit of a setback, mentally as well, when they scored because it wasn't needed.

“We had to dig in again, start over and we got the second and third goals quite quickly after that. Then you know if you push on a little bit, when you score the fourth, it's over."

[Monday, February 06, 2012]

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