Published: 24 November, 2011
by TOM FOOT

ARSENE Wenger believes Robin van Persie has Gervinho to thank for his incredible goal-scoring run.

The Dutch goal machine notched his 16th and 17th goals of the season last night (Wednesday) in the 2-1 home win against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

Gervinho was not at his best on the night but Arsenal manager Wenger said the pair were feeding off each other’s contrasting styles.

He said: “Gervinho is absolutely vital to it because Robin likes to come to the ball and Gervinho goes into space.

It is important for Robin.

He takes advantage of that with exceptional style.

“I don’t deny he is the one who scores all the goals. We hope we can keep him fit.”

The Gunners booked their place in the knockout stages with a game to spare, and are the only English club to be safely through.

After a clever run, Alex Song’s looping cross was met by van Persie’s powerful downward header into the Dortmund net shortly after the break.

He got his second on 85 minutes after Thomas Vermaelen flicked on a corner – Steve Bould-style – leaving the Dutchman with a simple half volley at the back post.

Wenger added: “We are in the period when he (van Persie) doesn’t have to look for goals, they come naturally for him – right place at the right moment. Again two goals, from positions where it looks easy but is not easy. He understands the game so well. I was complaining for a long time we do not score enough from set-pieces. We are all very happy about that.”

Borussia fans – the main attraction at the Emirates in the first half – sang German versions of Wild Rover, Go West and the French national anthem La Marseillaise.

“You only sing when you’re winning,” they chanted in crisp English after van Persie netted his second.