Arsenal boss: RVP’s move to Man Utd has made us more diverse

Monday, September 17, 2012
7:18 AM

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that Robin van Persie’s departure to Manchester United have made his side more diverse in the way they play.

The Gunners were heavily reliant on the Dutchman last season, whose 30 goals ensured they finished third.

That result gave the north Londoners automatic Champions League qualification and they did not suffer the fate of fourth placed Tottenham, who were knocked into the Europa League as Chelsea took their place after winning the biggest prize in European football.

But with van Persie gone the Gunners have had to discover new ways to win and after drawing 0-0 in their first two games, Arsenal have scored eight goals in 180 minutes against Liverpool and Southampton.

“We are famous for having good passing and team play,” he said.

“Sometimes an individual grows up and becomes the main charisma and carrier of the team and then people notice only him, but we’ve always built around the team player.

“Van Persie scored 30 goals and when you score 30 goals everyone gives you the ball. That’s as simple as that.

“Our game at the moment is a little bit more diversified but let’s see how we deal with that in the big games.

“We have to go from game to game. The last two games were interesting.”