Arsenal's stand-in skipper Alex Song was grateful to Robin van Persie after his performance off the bench in victory over Stoke City.

Song took the captain's armband in Van Persie's absence.

He told arsenal.com: "For me he is one of the best players - I watch him every day in training. He has been unlucky in the past with injuries but now he is stronger and more focused. Today we are very happy because he is one of the best players we have played with.

"I am proud to be in a team with this guy. He came in, scored twice and that is why he is very good for us."