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Arsenal captain Van Persie highlights Walcott influence on his scoring form

Arsenal skipper Robin van Persie has highlighted the influence of Theo Walcott on his stunning goal scoring form.

Van Persie says the contributions of team-mate Walcott are the fuel that keeps his fire burning.

"Theo has given me more assists than anyone else this year," he told Arsenal.com. "I've certainly noticed it and that's why I really liked the fact that he gave me the ball for my 100th goal - it was meant to be!

"Hopefully I can give him some proper assists as well, because as a striker I believe assists are just as important as the goals you score.

"Theo's assists aren't lucky - they're proper assists, down to good movements, good actions, good final balls. For me that's perhaps even more important than a goal.

"For example, I look back at my first goal against Chelsea and don't really feel that it's mine - it's 95 per cent down to Gervinho. And my first goal against Norwich was 90 per cent Theo's - a fantastic first touch, great pace, good cross and bang, I tap it in.

"OK, it goes in my name, but that's a tiny part of the story. I do appreciate that, and hopefully I can give him and all the other guys just as much back."

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