Robin Van Persie today issued a rallying cry ahead of Arsenal's FA Cup clash against Aston Villa, urging his team-mates to stick together and target the two remaining trophies available this season.
The Gunners host Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on Sunday exactly a week after Arsene Wenger was jeered during their 2-1 home defeat to Manchester United.
Van Persie was forced to issue a statement denying any rift with the manager after the Dutchman was seen voicing his disapproval towards the dugout when Andrey Arshavin replaced Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the second half.
And the 28-year-old has now taken to his Facebook page in an attempt to galvanise the squad and focus on the positives with Villa in mind and also their Champions League last 16 clash against AC Milan which begins next month. "There are plenty of games left, we have recovered from reverses like this before and we will win again, so anybody writing us off is making a mistake," he said.
"This could still be a good season for us. We have the FA Cup to look forward to and the Champions League. We will all be giving 100 per cent to make sure we bring one of those trophies home, hopefully both of them. Let's all stick together and fight."
Frank discussions have taken place at the club's London Colney training ground this week after three successive Premier League defeats have left them trailing fourth-placed Chelsea by five points. Lost in the frustration vented towards Wenger last Sunday was Nico Yennaris' League debut as a half-time substitute for Johan Djourou.
The 18-year-old, who began his Arsenal career as a striker before switching between central midfield at right-back, coped well with United winger Nani and is pushing to keep his place against Villa.
Yennaris said: "It couldn't have been any better for me. I made my Premier League debut, played in the Carling Cup and the FA Cup so I can't complain."
Thierry Henry is set to be available after recovering from a calf injury while Mikel Arteta is a doubt with a similar problem.
