Van Persie not down in mouth after Todd blow

Robin van Persie's mouth is still bruised and sore from the challenge from Andy Todd that may yet lead to a Football Association charge for the Blackburn captain.

The Dutchman had just scored the final goal in Arsenal's 3-0 win when he was laid out by Todd's arm as he turned to celebrate.

Van Persie, who left the Millenium stadium with his mouth swollen and unable to speak on Saturday night, later said: "It is hard for me to judge if it was an accident. But he wasn't anywhere near and then he was jumping into me with his arm up. My mouth is still bruised and sore but there are no stitches. I was dazed, not concussed."

Todd could be in trouble after the FA video panel review the incident but van Persie said: "It did not spoil it for me at all because I am very happy that if I was to get that challenge every week, score two goals and help the team to a final then I would be a happy man."

The £3million summer signing from Feyenoord is learning the error of his ways after the reckless lunge that brought his dismissal against Southampton.

Van Persie said: "I have tried to learn and get better. After the Southampton game the manager sat me down and had a chat to me about being more calm and thinking more on the pitch about what I am doing.