Wenger hails ‘goal of a lifetime’ for ruthless Robin

ARSENE WENGER’S Arsenal career has been peppered with “Where were you?” moments and on the occasion of his 10th anniversary in charge, it received its defining image.

The sight of Robin Van Persie leaping three feet to wrap his left foot around Emmanuel Eboue’s fizzed cross and the ball arcing in a perfect parabola past the flailing fingertips of Scott Carson will live long in the memory of all lucky enough to witness it.

It was an extraordinary moment of genius and yet the principles behind it — athleticism, pace and panache — were pure Wenger. They have been the cornerstones of each of the three great Arsenal sides he has built since 1996 and while Thierry Henry remains the personification of his manager’s philosophy, on Saturday the Frenchman hailed Van Persie.

“It was the goal of a lifetime,” he said. “He is not afraid to try things.”

The Dutchman’s technical gifts may encapsulate all that is good about Wenger’s cavaliers but the forward, like many of his manager’s protegees, also has a darker side. His impetuosity has twice resulted in red cards.

On-field indiscretions paled into insignificance when Van Persie was arrested in Rotterdam on suspicion of rape in June 2005. The 23-year-old spent two weeks in custody before he was released and cleared of all charges.

Van Persie appeared to be on borrowed time in north London, but Saturday’s inspired display hinted that, at last, football has become his focus.

“He lives for football and when someone is motivated, there is always a chance,” Wenger said.

Not that the demons have been completely exorcised. Van Persie kicked out at Charlton’s Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink mid way through the first half. Referee Mark Clattenburg consulted with his assistant before giving a yellow card, much to the consternation of the home manager Iain Dowie.

Charlton were made to rue Clattenburg’s leniency. Moments later a Van Persie collected Aleksandr Hleb’s precise pass from the right side of the penalty area and drilled a left-footed shot low into the net. That cancelled out Darren Bent’s 21st-minute opener.

Dowie, meanwhile, is in need of some of his “bouncebackability”. The Ulsterman, has endured a wretched start to his career at the Valley. Charlton are bottom after six defeats in seven league matches and already the home faithful are pining for the days of Alan Curbishley.

Opta Fact: This was the first time Arsenal have won a Premiership match after going behind since they beat Fulham in August 2005 — ending a run of 10 defeats and five draws after conceding the first goal.

Opta Fact: Charlton have lost their last six Premiership games against Arsenal, and nine of the last 10.