Persie

But it has become the closest thing the EPL has to Barcelona with its aesthetically pleasing tap-tap passing game and a tendency to score almost ballet-like goals, many of them off the magic left foot of striker Robin Van Persie, who leads the league with 18 goals.

The London Clubs Aren't Dead Yet Matthew Futterman 2012

Making his first Premier League start, Oxlade-Chamberlain was a constant menace to United with his speed and trickery and he set up the home team's equalizing goal in the 71st minute, when his neat reverse pass was swept home by Robin Van Persie, the club's leading scorer.

The Magical Mystery Behind Manchester's London Double Gabriele Marcotti 2012

While there remains time for Arsenal to convince Van Persie into staying beyond 2013, particularly should they add to the squad before the closure of the current window, the player's fitness remains a pressing issue.

Robin van Persie can be Arsenal's perfect leader, says Arsène Wenger 2011

Van Persie was a picture of frustration at missing the Champions League play-off first-leg victory over Udinese through suspension, though the sense is that he will thrive wearing the armband.

Robin van Persie can be Arsenal's perfect leader, says Arsène Wenger 2011

"What people forget is that last season, Fábregas started 22 games and Robin van Persie started 19 – and only a few of them together."

Robin van Persie can be Arsenal's perfect leader, says Arsène Wenger 2011

"Robin van Persie loves this club, he's attached to this club," Arsène Wenger said.

Robin van Persie can be Arsenal's perfect leader, says Arsène Wenger 2011

World-class experienced talents are in relatively short supply at the Emirates these days, with a greater burden thrust upon Van Persie and his deputy, Thomas Vermaelen, to guide a team the manager still considers youthful through such awkward times.

Robin van Persie can be Arsenal's perfect leader, says Arsène Wenger 2011

They have also been inspirations, a role Van Persie can surely fulfil with this team, though there is a fragility to this arrangement that could leave Arsenal shuddering in apprehension.

Robin van Persie can be Arsenal's perfect leader, says Arsène Wenger 2011

Arsenal welcome back Alex Song and Gervinho, who were banned for Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool, for the second leg in Italy with Robin van Persie also set to start after missing the 1-0 win in the first match through suspension.

Arsenal ready to cup-tie Samir Nasri for Champions League at Udinese 2011

Arsène Wenger feels he has made the right decision in making Robin van Persie the club captain.

Robin van Persie can be Arsenal's perfect leader, says Arsène Wenger 2011