The Gunners skipper netted the only goal in a tough London derby with QPR to ensure the north Londoners ended the year with three points. The goal was Van Persie's 35th Premier League goal of 2011, leaving him just one shy of Alan Shearer's record haul for Blackburn in 1995. While admitting the Holland international will be disappointed with his failure to break the record, Wenger predicts a similarly-impressive run in 2012. "He can [kick on next year] because he is the right age to perform," the Frenchman said. "Touch wood that he can repeat the same number of games and, if he does, then nothing is impossible. "I don't know why tonight at midnight it should suddenly change." Asked whether he will be kicking himself for not getting the record, Wenger added: "He will not tell you but certainly [he is]." Van Persie's goal today propelled Arsenal to fourth in the Premier League, usurping Chelsea and Liverpool in the standings. "Many people dropped points," Wenger said. "For us it was a little bit of repetition of the Wolves game because we did not manage to score more than one goal. "Then, of course, it is down to not making a mistake at the back and we had to be patient to take out chances. "I feel when there are so many game, you cannot alter the pace of the game. "You have to take your time, be patient and focus on not making mistakes. "We did that quite well and Robin van Persie again scored us the goal that got us the points against a good QPR side. "They had a good midfield, they played well. They always looked capable of creating something. "Overall they were one of the [better] teams we have seen." While pleased with the victory, Wenger revealed Thomas Vermaelen had to be replaced by Francis Coquelin in the 54th minute through injury. "He had a calf strain so maybe at midnight I will try to find a left-back," he said with a smile. "It is serious enough not to play on Monday [at Fulham] or against Leeds. "We have three left-backs out but Coquelin came out in this position and did quite well, but of course he is a central midfielder." Wenger refused to comment on whether it heightens his need to bring in a full-back, but confirmed Emmanuel Frimpong has joined Wolves on loan until the end of the season. "He is somebody who needs practice because he needs the rhythm of the games," he said. "Mick McCarthy says he has a good chance to play and that is why. "I have as well Coquelin who can play in this position so I had a decision to make. "One of the two had to go on loan and Frimpong had a good opportunity at Wolves." While victory leaves Arsenal in a Champions League spot, QPR start 2012 two points off the drop zone in 17th spot. Manager Neil Warnock admitted he may be able to bring a new signing in before Monday's match with Norwich and was quick to praise his side's performance at the Emirates Stadium. "I am obviously pleased with how we played," he said. "We came with four forwards and tried to have a go at them really. "I thought we were well organised and wanted to create chances. "We didn't just want to come and shut up shop and hope for a 0-0 draw, believe it or not. We wanted to win the game. "I thought we had some good chances throughout. "You can accept if you lose to a cracking goal but it is a terrible goal from our point of view. "Poor old Shaun Wright-Phillips is distraught [after giving away the ball that led to the goal] and yet he has had a fabulous game. "I thought he was a threat all afternoon and I feel sorry for them. "He made a mistake, but at the other end he could have won us the game. That is the fine line at Premier League level. "You give Van Persie a chance like that and Christmas has come early for him really." On potential new additions, Warnock added: "We are looking at a number of players but it is just a shame we play on Monday. "It is probably a bit too early. We might have one in but we would like three or four before Newcastle."
