Van Persie: Anyone can win the league

Robin van Persie has praised the ever-growing quality of the Premier League, saying its increasing openness and unpredictability make it the most exciting league to play in.

The Dutchman moved to England when he signed from Feyenoord in 2004, and feels the quality of football in this league has just got better and better.

Speaking in the Arsenal magazine, he said: “If you look at the league in general, I think of teams we beat years ago when we had people like Bergkamp and Henry – like games when we beat Middlesbrough 7-0 at home, that doesn’t really happen anymore because everyone’s improved.

“Most teams are well off and can afford big signings, and this improves the league. We saw Wolves beat Manchester United the other week and that says everything about this division. Everton for example – they came to Emirates and had periods where they played better than us. If you look objectively, that’s a good thing because it keeps you on your toes.

“No game whatsoever is easy and that’s how it should be. People who pay money to watch football have the right that everyone gives everything in each game. We do that, we’re fit enough to. If you don’t, you get punished hard – you could see that against Newcastle. You never give a 4-0 lead away, but if you switch off or some things change like a red card that’s what makes football interesting.

“In my opinion, the English league gives a football fan absolutely everything – you name it, it’s happening here. Anything can surprise you – games change, the quality is high, there are fantastic players, goals, effort, everything, it’s an all-round package.”

As for Arsenal’s chances of winning the title this season, van Persie still feels the likes of Chelsea and Spurs are in the race.

He added: “And what I really like about this league as well it that it’s still open – everyone feels they can win it. It’s good for the fans, everyone’s talking about it which hypes up the game in general. Every game has the feel of a big occasion, you really sense that importance.” 

{jcomments on}

Mark Brus

I'm 23-years-old and currently living in Bristol, studying to be a journalist. I've been hooked on Arsenal since I was about 10, and as much as I sometimes wish I could stop, I can't give them up. Favourite player of all time would have to be Patrick Vieira for the sheer passion with which he played the game.

More Posts - Twitter