Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was full of praise for skipper Robin van Persie after victory over West Bromwich Albion.

While unable to match his hat-trick heroics at Chelsea last weekend, Van Persie proved the difference as he netted the first and then turned provider for both Thomas Vermaelen and Mikel Arteta.

Wenger lauded the Arsenal skipper's attitude after the 3-0 victory.

"I don't know where he ranks [compared to other Arsenal greats]," he said. "The only thing I know is that he is world class.

"When I was a kid they had in Germany a ranking of national class, international class and world class. And in world class were only four or five players, or maybe even 10 players.

"I would put him in that calibre."

Asked whether there was a better striker in the world right now, he added: "There is some quality there. Of course [Lionel] Messi will win again the best player in the world, deservedly so because he has won everything.

"But let's not put too much pressure on Robin, let him enjoy a full season and then we can make a better assessment at the end."