Arsenal: Robin van Persie, Arsene Wenger and How the Gunners Are Winning Games

Arsenal have not lost a game since October 2^nd. During that run, they have outscored their opponents 18 to six.

After an awful start to the season the Gunners seem to have remembered that they are one of the most consistent teams in Europe.

A couple of months ago the squad seemed nervous on the pitch and opponents were not afraid to go after them. Now they are playing confidently with a level head and opponents give them the respect they deserve.

Robin van Persie

Robin van Persie sits atop the scoring chart with 11 goals. With a total of 13 goals in 16 games, he is arguably the hottest striker in the world.

Some people were skeptical of Arsene Wenger’s decision to give the injury-prone striker the armband. Despite the negative attention, the Dutchman has proved to be a great captain by putting the Gunners on his shoulders and leading by example.

His standout performances have definitely inspired the rest of the team to step up their game.

Arsene Wenger

People were calling for Arsene Wenger’s head at the start of the season. They criticized his spending habits, his philosophy and his ability to keep world-class players.

The French manager kept his cool and is starting to show the world why he is one of the best.

Arsene Wenger brought in the right type of players to the team and kept faith in his current players.

Some managers would have lost their cool or even their job if they went through what Arsenal went through. However, the Frenchman kept his cool and is pulling off an incredible turnaround.

Defensive Stability

Arsenal would be the fourth-best defense in terms of goals conceded if you take away the humiliating 8-2 loss to Manchester United. They have not allowed more than one goal in the Champions League.

After a shaky start to the season, newcomer Per Mertesaker and Thomas Vermaelen are starting to develop a quality center-back duo.

Four out of the Gunners’ five defeats came when the opposition scored more than one goal. Defensive stability is crucial for long-term success.

Arsene Wenger is confident of the group, saying, “People wanted us to buy a centre-back so much and then suddenly you realize we have plenty.”

Newcomers Adjusting

The departure of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri left some holes to fill. Newcomers Gervinho and Mikel Arteta are beginning to adjust to life in London.

Some people may criticize Gervinho for only scoring two goals so far this season. However, the Ivorian has contributed to the offense by spreading the ball. Gervinho’s six assists leads the team.

Arsene Wenger recently praised Mikel Arteta when he told the club’s website (h/t ESPN), “He is an important player for our team. He is really a player between Song and Ramsey and that gives us continuity.”

The Gunners only play better as newcomers adjust to the new club.

Early Season Humiliation

Arsenal was ridden off after a horrific offseason that saw high-profile stars leave for bigger clubs. An atrocious start of the season—capped off with a humiliating 8-2 defeat at Old Trafford—seemed to prove those critics right.

All the negativity gave the Gunners something to prove. They have been playing with a chip on their shoulder and are dying to prove that they are by no means done.

Andrei Arshavin is a great example of this. Last week he was quoted saying earlier this month, “Speaking honestly, I think my performances for Arsenal have been average.”

Soccer players are known for having out-of-this-world egos, but here is a world-class player who’s admitting to underperforming.

This Arsenal side is the hungriest they’ve been in years.