Arsene Wenger was effusive in his praise for striker Robin van Persie after the Dutch international helped to lead Arsenal back from the brink, and back into the Premier League title-race.

At 2-1 down with just 45 minutes to go, Arsenal were looking like their title challenge was dead and buried. Chelsea had managed to expose some of their less-than-impressive defending, and it seemed the Gunners would be falling to thier 5 loss of the season. It would have been excusable – the game was at Stamford Bridge after all – but would have severely dented any hopes they had of winning the Premiership.

Four goals later, Arsenal ran out as 5-3 victors, with Robin van Persie netting a hatrick, as well as playing an instrumental role in the other two goals. It’s no wonder Arsene Wenger was happy with him!

Wenger said: “Robin is on fire at the moment and his class means he is taking advantage of being in a team that wants to attack a lot and create chances. The intelligence of his movement and the accuracy of his finishing is exceptional.”

“The players are now getting used to the way we play and are getting stronger. But we have to remain humble, keep focusing and work hard together because we still have some ground to make up.”