Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger paid tribute to 稱贊 "exceptional" captain Robin van Persie after the Dutchman's hat-trick in the 5-3 win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Van Persie took his tally 累計得分 to 28 goals in 27 Premier League games as Arsenal extended their recent sequence to eight wins in their last nine matches in all competitions.

Andre Santos and Theo Walcott were also on target 達到預期目標 as Arsenal recovered from falling behind 落后 twice to continue their revival following a turbulent 不穩定的、動蕩的 start to the season.

Wenger said: "Robin is on fire at the moment and his class means he is taking advantage of being in a team that wants to attack a lot and create chances. The intelligence of his movement and the accuracy of his finishing is exceptional."

When Wenger says Van Persie is on fire 所向無敵, he means that he is playing very well at the moment.

Wenger attributed Arsenal's improvement to the fact that new players brought in just before the transfer window 轉會窗口 closed in August were becoming more accustomed 適應、習慣 to his philosophy and style of play.

Chelsea coach Andre Villas-Boas denied that the Football Association investigation into allegations 指控 that John Terry racially abused 種族歧視和侮辱 QPR defender Anton Ferdinand in the Blues' previous league match at QPR had affected his captain's performance.

"Has the situation affected John? No, not at all. This is just defeat for a team, a very important defeat and nothing else," Villas-Boas said.

The former Porto boss insisted that he will not abandon his team's attacking style despite seeing defensive frailties 防守弱點 exposed by Arsenal.