Van Persie ends year on a high with victory

London: A match to be remembered for a personal achievement may come to assume greatest significance for its wider impact on Arsenal's season.

Robin van Persie had understandably adorned the match-day programme under the headline "man of the year" and, as has so often been the case in 2011, he provided the decisive moment. It meant that Arsenal would enter 2012 inside the Premier League's top four for the first time this season.

Van Persie's 35th goal in 36 matches also establishes a new Arsenal record in a calendar year but, agonisingly, he stands one short of the all-time Premier League mark of 36, set in 1995 by Alan Shearer. There were chances to pass that record but, ultimately, Van Persie looked relieved to have scored just once.

Thierry Henry, who will soon join Arsenal on loan and held the previous club record, led the standing ovation. Van Persie responded by racing towards the home bench, seeking out long-time team-mate Manuel Almunia for a hug before kissing kit-man Vic Akers and exchanging a handshake with Arsene Wenger.

Predictably, Wenger was more concerned with the result. When you consider that Arsenal were as low as 15th in October — with Wenger even asked questions about relegation — to finish 2011 in fourth has been nothing short of miraculous.

"When we were in difficulty I said we had to take the criticism and focus on performing better," said Wenger. "No one talked, we just focused and improved as a team and we still have room for improvement. There is a good basis."

Even in respect of Van Persie, there was the desire to look forward rather than back. The pressure on Arsenal intensified when Thomas Vermaelen went off with a calf strain that will sideline him for two weeks.

Emmanuel Frimpong will now join Wolves on loan, while Henry should officially arrive early next week, with Van Persie stressing yesterday that he was "happier than anyone" to see him back. Van Persie also declared that his wish for 2012 would be a repeat of 2011. Wenger — and every other Arsenal supporter — would surely settle for him still being an Arsenal player 12 months from now.

— The Telegraph Group Limited, London 2012