Arsenal 3 Wigan Athletic 0: Van Persie is mentally stronger now, says Gunners boss Wenger

The 27-year-old took his tally to six in the last three games with a treble against the below-par Latics – and that despite blasting a penalty high into the stands following Gary Caldwell's red card for pulling back Cesc Fabregas.

Van Persie has a history of promising campaigns interrupted by injury, last season undergoing ankle surgery to be fit in time for the World Cup.

The Holland forward had another frustrating spell on the sidelines from the end of August until the start of November after picking up a further ankle problem, but has looked sharp on his return.

Wenger hopes van Persie – kept on the bench before coming on to score in the FA Cup third-round replay at Leeds United – can give the Gunners the edge as they challenge for both domestic and European honours.

"Robin is an important player in our squad. He can finish, provide and the understanding with our offensive players is very good so of course, he will be very important," Wenger said.

"Some players have played many games, but van Persie has been out for a long time. Him and Fabregas had a long breather and we hope he can benefit from that."

Wenger feels van Persie will have grown in character from an enforced spell on the sidelines.

"What he has gone through has been difficult," the Arsenal boss said. "A player who is injured is fragile. He feels useless and is without his job. He is without his happiness.

"On the other hand, it has made him a lot stronger mentally because he had to fight against disappointments. This is what makes you strong in life."

Wigan remain deep in trouble, but manager Roberto Martinez feels his men can fight their way to safety in what is a very tight battle for survival.

"We know the challenge. I know what we need to get out of the next 15 games," Martinez said.

"Being in the bottom three now doesn't mean much. It is important we carry on with our long-term strategy.

"We have got young, very talented players.

"I don't want Wigan to be a team always fighting to avoid relegation but you need a transitional time. Two seasons is what we need to achieve that."