Robin van Persie welcomes fresh clash with Adebayor

When Arsenal sold Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City in the summer many asked where the goals that the Togolese striker scored would come from instead, not least because Arsene Wenger made no attempt to buy a like-for-like replacement. Wise old Wenger knew best, of course: Robin van Persie has become the fulcrum of the attack at Arsenal this season, scoring eight times in nine games, including seven strikes in the Premier League.

The Dutchman had already enjoyed his best ever season at the club last year, notching up 20 goals and 11 assists, and being voted player of the season. But this term he is relishing the added responsibility of leading the line in Arsenal's 4-3-3 formation. On Saturday his two strikes against Tottenham in the north London derby bookended Cesc Fabregas's remarkable goal just 11 seconds after the restart at 1-0. At the end of the game he was lauded by his manager as "a mixture of Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp".

Wenger also drew attention to the change in persona that has arguably proved to be the most important part of Van Persie’s transformation into a game-winner. "He had an 'attitude'," the Arsenal manager said of the 26-year-old, who has notched up 32 yellow cards and three reds at Arsenal, "but what saves people, always, is a love for football and an intelligence."

Like Henry, Van Persie has been converted under Wenger’s guidance from a winger to a centre forward. "It was always clear to me that Robin would be in the middle of the three," Wenger told the Guardian. "He has a short back?lift, is an intelligent player and can turn very quickly. What he has around the box is very difficult to give to a striker. He moves away from the defenders around the box in a very, very perfect way. The timing of his runs are fantastic. That is why he plays there."

Van Persie's commitment to the cause is in no doubt this season. After learning who Arsenal's opponents in the quarter final of the Carling Cup would be, his hunger was plain to see: "What's the draw? Man City away? Nice. I want to play that one. I'd love to play. If the boss decides to let me play, I'm happy."

The last time he faced City he received a stamp in the face from Adebayor which few are in any doubt was maliciously applied. The old van Persie would have looked for an opportunity to repay that slight with some interest on it. The new model no doubt intends to rub his former teammate's face in it by scoring the winning goal.