Wenger Hits Back At Bergkamp Criticism

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has denied claims by club legend Dennis Bergkamp that captain Robin van Persie is best served playing behind the striker.

Bergkamp said earlier this week that his fellow countryman should not be deployed as lone striker but given a free role behind the front man. However, Wenger was quick to defend the positioning of van Persie, stating his goal record speak for its self.

“Robin’s best position is on the football pitch,” Wenger told reporters.

“On the right, on the left, up front, behind the striker, he can play everywhere. It’s as simple as that.

“He is most suited to the team and adapted [and] adjusted to the quality of the other players. In this position he has scored 26 goals in 32 games so you cannot say he is in a bad position because the numbers go against you.

“But you have to be open-minded. He can play as well behind the striker, on the right and on the left.

“When I bought him he played on the left wing. At Feyenoord he has been educated like that. I put him central, because he is a quality player.”