Van Persie: Arsenal entering ‘crucial time’

ROBIN VAN PERSIE feels Arsenal are about to embark on a crucial phase of the season.

The Gunners extended their unbeaten run to 12 matches with a resounding 4-1 demolition of AZ Alkmaar at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night to all but secure a place in the last 16 of the Champions League.

With leaders Chelsea and Manchester United – on whom Arsenal have a match in hand – clashing at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, the trip to Wolves tomorrow evening represents a real opportunity for Arsene Wenger’s young side to lay down a marker ahead of the international break.

Van Persie, who has scored eight goals already for the free-scoring Gunners, is in no doubt of the importance of producing another winning display at Molineux.

“It is a very crucial time for us now,” said the Holland striker.

“Against Wolves, it is a must-win game for us, given that Chelsea and Man United are playing each other.

“After the break we have Sunderland away and then Chelsea, so it will be a tough month, but I am looking forward to it.”

Captain Cesc Fabregas netted a brace against AZ as Arsenal chalked up 18 goals from five games at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners have responded well since two successive defeats to both Manchester clubs earlier in the season and victory over Wolves would see them, temporarily at least, move up into second place above United on goal difference.

“We are looking sharp at the moment,” Van Persie said.

“We have one game in hand and are two points off Chelsea so if they lose points we will be in a good position.

“One of the top two will lose points this weekend, so if we want to challenge for the title we have to win.”

Meanwhile Arsenal director Stan Kroenke has moved to the brink of the threshold where he would have to make an offer for the entire stockholding of the club.

The US billionaire has bought another 200 shares in Arsenal’s holding company, at £8,500 (€9,400) each, taking his shareholding to 29.9%.

Kroenke bought 100 of the shares from Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood.

He is nearing the 29.99% threshold, beyond which he would be forced to make an offer for the remaining shares.

The Denver-based businessman’s latest acquisition cost him £1.7m (€1.95m).

Following his sale of 100 shares to Kroenke, Hill-Wood now holds 400 shares, representing 0.6% of the issued shares in the club.