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Robin van Persie: I’d chip Christian Abbiati again if given the chance

Arsenal captain Robin van Persie insists he has no regrets about trying to chip AC Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati, and reckons heâd do it again if given the chance.

Miss: Van Persie’s point-blank chip is saved by Abbiati (Picture: REUTERS)

Despite a 3-0 win at the Emirates on Tuesday night, the Gunners couldnât save themselves from Champions League elimination and paid the price for their 4-0 first-leg defeat at the San Siro.

However, Van Persie was presented with a golden chance to level the tie in the second half, but his attempted dink from close range was well read by the Italianâs goalkeeper.

The Dutchman though, has defended his decision to attempt a cheeky chip rather than roll the ball either side of Abbiati, and when asked, in retrospect, would he make the same choice, he said: âI think so.

âThe way I saw it, the keeper was quite close to me so the option wasn’t there to pass it left or right of him.

âI had to go for the chip, I’ll have to watch back, but that’s how I felt.â

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
Anguish: Wenger knows just how close Arsenal came to a historic comeback (Picture: Action Images)

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has also refused to blame his skipper for the costly miss, and instead paid tribute to the Milan shot-stopper for his quick reactions.

âThe one you would want the chance to go to is Van Persie,â said Wenger.

âBut he wanted to chip the keeper. You have to give credit to Abbiati, he came up so quickly, it was a fraction.â

Goals from Laurent Koscielny, Tomas Rosicky and Van Persie, from the penalty spot, gave Arsenal major first-half hope, and Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri admits the opening 45 minutes were harrowing for his side.

âWhen we went two behind, we were not in control and credit must go to Arsene for how Arsenal played in the first half,â he said.

âWe suffered in the first half after conceding a goal in the first few minutes and all credit to Arsenal because I knew the first half was going to be tough and they made it hard for us.

âBut we played very well in the second half and only gave them one real chance in the second half.â

PICTURES: Arsenal 3-0 AC Milan

WATCH: Van Persie’s chance to make it 4-0 to Arsenal