Wenger: Robin must keep his head

14 April 2012

Robin Van Persie faces a severe examination of his temperament tonight when Arsene Wenger fields the 21-year-old Dutchman against bitter rivals Tottenham.

Van Persie was sent off earlier this season at Southampton after a reckless challenge that enraged Wenger and the player will be tested by Spurs when he replaces Dennis Bergkamp.

Tackles are certain to fly in as Highbury's visitors seek to make Arsenal lose the championship on their own ground. Even a draw would hand the title to Chelsea and would also help Tottenham's own chase for a UEFA Cup spot.

Arsenal are without the injured Thierry Henry and Fredrik Ljungberg. Henry has an inflamed groin that may keep him out for the rest of the season but Ljungberg has a chance of playing against Liverpool in two weeks time.

Even though it is a matter of time before Chelsea win their first title for 50 years, Wenger is determined to make it as hard as possible for Jose Mourinho's side.

The manager said: "It is down to us to make sure that Chelsea don't win the title without playing. We want to get as close to Chelsea as possible but it is also a big game for us because it is a way of safeguarding our second position in the league and it is a special derby.

"When you lose a race these days, people don't remember who finished second. But I feel we have made up the ground that we lost on Chelsea earlier this season. At the start of the season, I thought we had a very good chance of retaining the title. But the fact that we couldn't just makes me more determined for next season.

"I felt for a long period during the season that the team was disturbed, that we did not have the same confidence and belief after the Manchester United defeat.

"However, I feel that we have found that back in the past two months and you can see the harmony and belief in the team is strong again."

Wenger may keep Sol Campbell on the bench, meaning another start for Philippe Senderos. The Swiss star may come up against his friend - and former Servette youth academy team-mate - Reto Ziegler.

Senderos said: "We were very close when we played together at Servette and when he came to join Spurs, it was amazing. It would be great if we were on the pitch together.

"He is an excellent player and a dangerous one. Will I tackle him hard if we are up against each other? Of course! this is professional football."

For Ziegler, there was never a doubt that Senderos would come good in the Premiership.

He said: "He is a very good defender, a very good header of the ball. He looks confident and with every game, he is getting better and better. It is not easy to get into the Arsenal defence and he is doing well. We had a dream to play in England and if we play against each other, it will be a big thing."

And tonight? "I would love to be involved," said Ziegler. "I feel good and I think I am at my highest level. I am ready and I hope to play."

Spurs coach Martin Jol has injury worries in attack as Spurs bid for their first victory at Highbury since

1993. Fredi Kanoute is doubtful due to neck and back problems, while Mido is struggling after an abdominal injury. Should neither be available, Jol will be forced to select his leastpreferred strike partnership of Robbie Keane and Jermain Defoe.

Michael Brown (foot) and Pedro Mendes (toe) are still missing so Sean Davis is likely to partner Michael Carrick in central midfield.

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Wenger: Robin must keep his head

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