Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger expects Robin van Persie to continue his goal scoring form in 2012.

The Gunners skipper netted the only goal in a tough London derby with QPR to ensure the north Londoners ended the year with three points.

The goal was Van Persie's 35th Barclays Premier League goal of 2011, leaving him just one shy of Alan Shearer's record haul for Blackburn in 1995.

"He can [kick on next year] because he is the right age to perform," the Frenchman said.

"Touch wood that he can repeat the same number of games and, if he does, then nothing is impossible.

"I don't know why tonight at midnight it should suddenly change."

Asked whether he will be kicking himself for not getting the record, Wenger added: "He will not tell you but certainly [he is]."