RVP is a mixture of two Arsenal greats, says Wenger...

Arsene Wenger has heaped praise on striker Robin van Persie by comparing him to former Gunners greats Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp.

The Dutch international scored twice in yesterday’s 3-0 win over neighbours Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates to take his tally for the season to seven.

His good form has been warmly welcomed by Wenger who admitted he was vital to Arsenal’s hopes of success this season.

"He is the kind of player, with the type of game we play, who is vital because when you play the ball to his feet his first touch is always perfect and that allows others to join in," the Frenchman is quoted by the Press Association as saying.

"It makes everybody dangerous. In the box he is clever and intelligent."

The Arsenal boss also likened his striker to both Henry and Bergkamp revealing he saw qualities of both forwards in Van Persie’s play.

Wenger added: "He is a mixture. He is less of a runner than Thierry Henry and he is not completely Dennis Bergkamp because he plays higher up the pitch."