RVP MAKES ARSENAL-CHELSEA COMBINED XI

Dutchman Robin Van Persie (RVP) has been named in attack as part of the combined team for the London Derby fixture between Arsenal and Chelsea. The combined London Derby XI was selected by his former Arsenal teammate, Cesc Fabregas. Spanish international Fabregas made the combined London Derby XI selection on behalf of BT Sports.

The London Derby XI was selected shortly before Chelsea and Arsenal faced off at Stamford Bridge last week Wednesday. At the end of proceedings, it was the Gunners who emerged victorious.

Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith-Rowe scored the only goal of the game in the first half off the assist from his skipper, Pierre-EmerickAubameyang. Aubameyang had capitalised on the error from Italian player Jorginho. The ex-Napoli midfielder produced a poor back pass that was saved on the line by Spanish goalkeeper KepaArrizabalagabefore Aubameyang pounced on the loose ball to set up England u-21 international Smith-Rowe for the goal that handed the Gunners all the three points at stake.

The win ensured that the North Londoners stay in the hunt for a place in the Europa League next season, while the Blues have work to do if they want to stay ahead of Liverpool and others in fourth place. Their present position will guarantee Champions League football in the new season.

For the combined London Derby XI named by Fabregas, Robin Van Persie made the team ahead of the likes of former teammate Dennis Bergkamp and Didier Drogba. Robin Van Persie was named in attack alongside Thierry Henry and Diego Costa.

Robin Van Persie replaced Fabregas as the Arsenal skipper when he left the club for Barcelona in 2011. RVP was the deputy to Fabregas before his exit from the club a decade ago.