Van Persie's grooved technique is the reason why he won't stop scoring

The signs had been increasing in evidence since the start of last spring's sunshine (at Ewood to be exact) : RVP's ready to explode.

I previously wrote about the 'signs' and the imminent 'explosion', and now its fantastically happening before all our eyes!

RVP has seen the return of Henry and is trading goal for brilliant goal with him. His excellent run and shooting technique for the final goal in Saturday's solid 3-0 home win against Blackburn must be seen by all fans of pure football.

RVP's technique is picture perfect, and the results are similarly breath-taking: the curve, pace, and accuracy with which he is placing his left-shots is thrilling.... and what's more, it is repeatable.

The great thing about RVP is that his technique is so flawless, and seemingly grooved, that he is able to repeat fantastic finishes. Even his penalties against Man Utd in FA cup final and Sunderland in Carling Cup are a wonder to behold: technique that is pure poetry in motion followed by unstoppable shots into either top corner.

And RVP does not just have the most awesome-looking and effective technique. He has pace, he can glide round defenders (and goalies' a'la at Ewood which was fantastic to watch!), he has a physical size and strength that means he won't be eaten up by powerful centre-backs, and he has a feisty edge to his temperament that means he will not go missing when up against teams that look more interested in wrestling AFC than playing football. Last of all, he is still only 22 yrs old.

Wenger is the best coach in the world that RVP can play under. His coaching techniques are proven to maximise the talent in individual players: Henry being the number one example. And I am convinced that if RVP remains focused he will thrive under Wenger's coaching just as Henry has.

The RVP/Henry partnership is effectively only a month old. They didn't even start together on Saturday, but for the third successive game both got on the score-sheet, and the latent potential contained within it gives me the confidence that there is much more of this 'double-striking' to come. I have also noticed from Henry's reactions that he loves what he is seeing from RVP... and anything about AFC that keeps Henry happy keeps me happy.

This is the partnership that AFC in the champs league has been lacking under Wenger's reign. With Bergkamp never available away from home, Arsenal have always entered away legs with Henry having to effectively play up-front all alone. Now with an exploding RVP to shoulder the burden, it is probable that both Henry and AFC will thrive with the presence of the young Dutchman.

For me, RVP is the story of this season so far for AFC... long may he continue to explode!


P.S. The outstanding Pires through ball for Henry's goal is yet more evidence as to why AFC should give him the length of contract he is asking for.

P.P.S. Last year TH deserved to be World Player of the Year. However, Mark Hughes (who had a vote as the present Wales manager) didn't even consider him worthy of any of his top three picks (Nedved, Makaay and Larsson?!) .... so its only just that Henry did the business on Saturday. His Cruyff-control-touch in full stride followed by outside of the foot bending shot would have torn down Highbury if it found its way into the net! What was Hughes thinking when he cast his vote last year?!?