Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted that playing Robin van Persie so often at the moment is "a gamble".

 

The Dutchman played in Arsenal’s 2-1 win away at Aston Villa last night, scoring the first goal of the game from a penalty.

 

Villa hit back in the second half through Marc Albrighton, but the Gunners kept going and got their reward when substitute Yossi Benayoun found the back of the net with just three minutes remaining on the clock.

 

Arsenal’s chief goal-getter, Van Persie, was on the pitch for the entire 90 minutes and this just two days after facing Manchester City at Eastlands, another clash the Dutchman completed.

 

"He keeps going", Wenger said of Van Persie after the match.

 

"Of course you always have that question when he plays against Manchester City and then again with that intensity, do I rest him?"

 

And Wenger concluded that he is taking somewhat of a gamble by continuing to field the striker.

 

"At the moment he feels alright so I just take a gamble.

 

"Now we have a little breather to prepare for our home game and let’s hope we can win then."

 

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