It’s our defenders, not me, who should get the praise says Gunners captain

Robin van Persie may be getting all the plaudits at the moment, but the Premier League top scorer is adamant that it is Arsenal’s defence who should be taking the credit for the club’s unbeaten league run.

The win over Everton extended Arsenal’s unbeaten run to eight games, seven of which have been won as 22 points out of 24 have lifted the Gunners back into the top four.

Twelve of Van Persie’s 15 league goals have come in those last eight games, but the Dutchman was quick to pass on the praise to his defence who have conceded just two goals in their last four matches.

“We have been solid at the back for a couple of weeks now, I mean really solid,” said Van Persie. “Lots of things are coming together, and then you know as a forward player that one chance can be decisive.

“On Saturday it was vital to stay on track and get the three points. It was a hard game against a good Everton side and in the end we are very pleased.”

The Gunners captain is usually only too happy to talk about his goals, but on Saturday he was almost bashful about all the praise that has come his way.

“I wasn’t really happy with my own performance, there were too many touches that didn’t go right,” said the 28-year-old who has now scored 19 goals in total this season, and 33 league goals in just 32 starts in 2011.

“The goal? Normally I would have a touch to get it right, it was a bit of a gamble to take it on the volley but it went in off the post, I can’t ask for more than that.

“It was a great pass again by Alex – it’s unbelievable as he is a defensive midfielder but the amount of skill he has is just a dream.”

Now Van Persie is hoping the run can continue against the Premier League leaders Manchester City on Sunday.

“It is a big one,” admitted Van Persie. “City are a really good side, we have no game in midweek so we can relax for a couple of days and then think about that game.”