Unity the key to Arsenal revival, says Van Persie
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Your support makes all the difference.Robin van Persie maintains Arsenal are the "unique" side of European football – but warned that expecting too much too soon could block the young side in their quest for glory.
Arsène Wenger's team continued their impressive opening to the new campaign with a 3-0 victory over Seville in the Champions League at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. With seven wins from eight matches, there certainly seems no hangover from the summer sale of Thierry Henry, so long the focal point of the team.
Ironically, it was the departure of their talisman that has allowed Wenger's emerging side to play with a new panache, led by Cesc Fabregas at the heart of midfield. That certainly proved too much for Seville, who were supposed to offer the toughest challenge Arsenal would face in Group H.
Nevertheless, Wenger has urged his young squad – currently without their injured captain William Gallas – to remain grounded. Van Persie – on target during the second half last night – believes there is no other team like Arsenal.
"The joy everyone is playing with is tremendous. We are a young side, yes, but I think the qualities are immense," the Dutchman, 24, said. "The togetherness in this team is unbelievable Everyone wants to run for each other, to fight for each other and everyone is giving and if you give, you accept."
Van Persie added: "This is a unique team in Europe. We are unique because, as we say in Holland 'the nose is pointed at the same direction'.
"I was a bit of an individual, but the boss slowly taught me how to play together and that you get more out of your career when you work together. He brought this learning for everyone."
Arsenal will be expected to chalk up another comprehensive win in the Premier League this weekend with the visit of struggling Derby County. Although the newly-promoted Rams secured their first win of the season over Newcastle on Monday night to move off the bottom, they have yet to score a goal away from home and have shipped 11 – including six at Anfield.
Gallas is likely to need another week to recover fully from his groin problem, but keeper Jens Lehmann could be in contention following an elbow injury. Midfielder Tomas Rosicky, meanwhile, has suffered another setback and was forced off on Wednesday.
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