Arsenal winger Theo Walcott admits a fully fit Robin van Persie is critical to their trophy chances.
Walcott believes the Gunners may not have stumbled in their title bid last year had their star striker not been beset by injuries.
"Robin's form is fantastic. It makes our job much easier when he plays like that," Walcott said.
"I have been playing alongside him for many years. It's nice to see a fit Robin. He is enjoying playing his football, he is enjoying scoring, he is enjoying getting other people involved.
"He is a great leader, a great captain. Anyone in that dressing room will tell you he is an absolute leader.
"He is very passionate and on the pitch it showed. We never had a fit Robin throughout the whole season. Hopefully he can look after himself and we can have a run until the end of the year."