Van Persie still has plenty to learn

14 April 2012

Arsenal 2 Stoke 1

The well-documented magic of the FA Cup includes as many lessons in escapology as it does in giant-killing, as Arsenal proved in overcoming the muscular and well-organised resistance of Stoke yesterday.

True, as comebacks go, it was not in Harry Houdini class.

But after the way Aston Villa, Manchester City and Crystal Palace went out and Manchester United were left with the embarrassment of a replay at Exeter, Arsenal must have feared the worst when a lacklustre first half left them a goal behind to Wayne Thomas's close-range strike.

Fingers were pointed all over Highbury at just after 2.45 pm.

Serious questions were being asked about the team's apparent lack of desire and the absence of Thierry Henry. Enter Robin van Persie.

The 21-year-old's first six months since signing from Feyenoord for £3million have not been the most memorable of his career as he has battled to come to terms with life in England and expectations at Arsenal.

By his own admission, the commitment shown in training even came as a shock.

"Harder - much harder than Holland," he said reflecting on the nature of the game in the Premiership. But his stamina has increased and his mental strength has grown. And just when Arsenal needed it, Van Persie came up with the goods. A right wing cross in the 70th minute, a neat finish and Arsenal were into the fourth round. More relief than joy around Islington.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger captured the essence of the game. He said: "We had just enough quality to see us through." Stoke, with 34- year- old warhorse Gerry Taggart at the heart of their resistance, came to do battle. Taggart has never had too much time for fancy football and has no record of taking prisoners. The former Barnsley and Leicester stopper upheld his reputation as Stoke smothered Arsenal's forward forays in the first half.

Second half, different game. Jermaine Pennant began to thrive on better service, Emmanuel Eboue, the £1m Ivory Coast international, looked more at home on his debut and Robert Pires had more influence.

Up front, Jose Reyes came to life and when he struck the equaliser in the 50th minute, there was an air of inevitability about it all. Ade Akinibiyi continued to pose problems for both Kolo Toure and Philippe Senderos and he hit the bar with one effort. But once equality was regained, Arsenal always looked more likely winners.

Van Persie said: "I know I have to play well to stay at this club. I have to work hard and be patient. I spoke to the boss about it and he told me the first four months is a time when I have to learn. Even Thierry Henry had to be patient when he first came here."

Clearly, he is a good listener - but advice is easy to take when it comes from a role model like Dennis Bergkamp. Van Persie added: "He is fantastic to watch and to play with and he is a fantastic person.

"He talks a lot to me and he has helped me with my progress at Arsenal. If you are prepared to work hard, then this is a fantastic place to be. I have had to get used to the physical side of the game here. It is harder and tougher in England than it was in Holland - even in training!"

And they don't come much harder and tougher than Tony Pulis, the no-nonsense manager of Stoke. While many of his Premiership brethren may have been squealing for video replays of Patrick Vieira's clash with Jason Jarrett that left the Stoke man with a bloody nose, Pulis was having none of it. "No problem at all," he said.

"Two tough midfield men battling for the ball, that's all."

Arsenal eventually matched the physique of Stoke - and as Wenger said, the extra quality saw them through.

MORE ABOUT

Arsenal

Crystal Palace FC

Thierry Henry

Van Persie still has plenty to learn

Read More