Van Persie: 'No Conflict' With Arsene Wenger

Robin van Persie has launched a staunch defence of manager Arsene Wenger following Sunday's defeat to Manchester United.

The Dutchman used his column in The Sun to refute suggestions of a dressing-room rift and played down reports he was angered by Wenger's decision to withdraw Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for Andrei Arshavin.

Van Persie appeared to react furiously to Wenger's decision and was caught clearly mouthing the word "No" to the substitution.

However, the Arsenal captain played down the situation, saying he had every faith in Wenger's judgement.

"I was not having a go at the boss on Sunday - I was just sad to see Alex leave the pitch as he just gave the assist for our only goal," Van Persie told The Sun.

"I was not questioning his judgement - I know it's not my place to challenge what Arsene Wenger does. Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain had a calf injury. We did not know that but the boss did and brought Andrey Arshavin on."

He added: "The manager and I are fine and my relationship with the club is good. There is no problem, there is no conflict and there is no controversy.

"The boss knows that, I know that and the players know that."

Van Persie also implored Arsenal supporters not to turn on Wenger, pointing out that Wenger's "remarkable success in the game is proof enough that his decisions are made from knowledge and experience."

Wenger's judgement has been called into question by large sections of the Arsenal faithful after he replaced Oxlade-Chamberlain with Arshavin.

The Russian was deemed to be partly at fault for Danny Welbeck's late winner, which condemned Arsenal to their third successive defeat and dealt a significant blow to their hopes of securing Champions League qualification.