Van Persie claims player of month award

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has scooped the Barclays Player of the Month award for October.


Dutch hitman was rewarded with the Barclays accolade after scintillating month that saw the 26-year old score five goals and set up another two as the Gunners went through the month unbeaten.

Van Persie notched up his first goal in the 6-2 win over Blackburn Rovers at the Emirates Stadium, drilling a low shot beyond Paul Robinson after fine work from Cesc Fabregas.

This was then followed by the opening goal in the 3-1 win at home to Birmingham City. The flying Dutchman was again instrumental in the 2-2 draw at West Ham United, scoring the opener before delivering an inch-perfect corner for William Gallas to nod in a second for the Gunners.

Van Persie completed his impressive month by netting a brace in the 3-0 victory over North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, taking him to seven Barclays Premier League goals for the season.

This is the second time that he has won the award, having previously claimed the prize in November 2005. The decision was made by the Barclays Awards Panel, which includes representatives from football's governing bodies, the media and fans.

Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-4 Arsenal

Arsenal enjoyed a comfortable victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Barclays Premier League.


The Gunners got a helping hand in the first half from the home side, with both Ronald Zubar and Jody Craddock scoring own goals.

Arsenal kept their foot on the pedal, Cesc Fabregas and Andrei Arshavin extending their lead before Craddock got a consolation goal at the correct end.

Arsenal 4 - 1 AZ Alkmaar

Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas struck twice in the 4-1 win against AZ Alkmaar at the Emirates Stadium to put Arsene Wenger's men on the brink of the Champions League knockout stages.

Fabregas struck either side of half-time, with Samir Nasri and Abou Diaby grabbing the other goals to put the hosts in total control of Group H with two matches left to play.