Van Persie’s flourishing as a leader in their time of need is vindication of Arsenal’s faith in the Dutchman. They saw in him a strength of character that others did not and it all traces back to a night of violence and fear seven years ago and a game that ultimately persuaded Arsenal that this slight, skilful Dutchman had the courage and resilience to become a player capable of joining a team who were closing on an unbeaten season.