Robin Van Bergkamp

After his double against Blackburn and his winner against Watford Van Persie has been paid one of the biggest compliments he could possibly be paid.

Arsene Wenger has compared the Flying-Dutchman to his non-flying compatriot Dennis Bergkamp.

Speaking after the ugly 2-1 win over Watord Wenger said: ‘He has developed into a team player now.

‘He works very hard and in this game created more chances in the first half. In the second he had only one and scored.

‘He did it in a great style and there is some Bergkamp in there in the way he finishes – he is open-footed, strikes it cleanly and makes quick decisions.

‘I believe he has developed a lot. His link play is better as he knows now how to get where the defence don’t like him to be.

‘He has a good mixture between going forward and dropping off – and Dennis had that.

‘You have to know where to be on a football pitch but he senses that. And he is much more mature as well.’