Arsene Wenger admitted Robin Van Persie has been given a new lease of life as he attempts to break a Premier League record.

Arsenal manager Wenger believes the Netherlands international does not want to be rested in his mission to score 37 goals in a calendar year.

Van Persie took his tally to 34 goals this year with a penalty in the 2-1 victory at Aston Villa and is now only two away from equaling Alan Shearer's achievement.

The goal at Villa Park has already enabled him to equal Thierry Henry's seven-year club record, but the striker is clearly on a personal crusade to etch his name into the record books.

"Robin keeps going and, of course, you always have that question about whether to rest him. He played against Manchester City but at the moment he feels alright so I just take a gamble.

"He is only three goals away from beating the record so now I will start to rest him! We've now got a breather until we prepare for the Wolves game on Boxing Day. We've had two difficult away games where we've had to give absolutely everything so to win at Aston Villa was very pleasing."

Agence France-Presse

(China Daily 12/23/2011 page24)