Arsenal skipper Robin van Persie wants them to turn ugly to win trophies.

The Gunners have not won a trophy since 2005 while often being accused of putting style above substance.

And, ahead of their visit to Aston Villa tonight, striker Van Persie said: "Nobody can play beautiful football all the time.

"When that happens I tell our lads 'If it's not happening for you, just try to kill off the game so we can move on'.

"I am still a lover of the beautiful game and always will be but I have become more realistic.

"It is too romantic to think that you can win matches by playing beautiful football alone.

"Barcelona are the exception - and I have to admit they and Arsenal are the only teams that I often watch on TV."