The Talismanic Robin Van Persie

When Robin Van Persie stalled on his Arsenal contract talks earlier in the month, there were tremors felt everywhere. Clubs were perking up their ears, waiting for new development. Arsenal fans were quaking....dismayed that yet another "home-grown" star is on the verge of leaving. Arsenal has not been known to keep their stars with huge wage packages and therefore it will not be hard to imagine the departure of the Dutch star come end of this season. After all, Arsenal in recent times, have turned into a selling club, more intent to balance finances than winning silverware.

It has been frustrating times for RVP. Hardly fit last season, he has been in sterling form in this campaign. The one bright spark for Arsenal all season, Van Persie was Arsenal's talisman again against a stubborn Sunderland at The Emirates. His two goals put the gloss on an indifferent and difficult Arsenal performance as Sunderland worked extremely hard to thwart the famed Gunners' short passing game.

Arsenal still look shaky in defence, even with the addition of Mertesacker and Andre Santos. Sessegnon had an excellent game tormenting the whole of the Arsenal backline but his efforts were let down by a lack of adventure from his Black Cats' team mates.

The Dutchman's freekick winner took Arsenal out of the bottom half of the Premier League for the first time this season. RVP has clearly put his younger volatile nature behind and has stepped up to lead Arsenal out of their current troubles. However, his task is of a one-man nature as none of the current Arsenal squad are good enough to help RVP achieve his goals i.e. to be a Champions League winner. Andrey Arshavin and Tomas Rosicky are fading forces and cannot be counted on to support the world class Dutchman. Theo Walcott in his sixth season with the Gunners, continue to flit in-out of games and clearly need to show more consistency in a season.

Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain represent the next exciting batch of Arsenal superstars and these youngsters desperately need the quiet leadership and experience that Van Persie can provide. A Gunners' side comprising of Szczesny, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wilshere and Ramsey with RVP's sublime skills have the potential to be Premier League champions in 2-3 years time. The most complete striker in Arsenal since Dennis Bergkamp, will Van Persie afford to stick around to help the next batch of youngsters try to reach the achievements of the Invincibles?

The talismanic Robin Van Persie is the last jewel in Arsene Wenger's stable. What would Arsenal life be without Robin Van Persie? It's a thought that makes every Gooner shudder.