Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has described Robin van Persie as a mixture of club legends Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp.

Van Persie's double at the Emirates Stadium against rivals Tottenham means the Dutchman has seven goals from as many games, with the 26-year-old adapting quickly to his role at the top of Wenger's new 4-3-3 formation.

After Bergkamp's retirement three years ago and Henry's departure to Barcelona, Van Persie is the latest forward Gunners fans rely on for their attacking spark.

Wenger, when asked about Van Persie stepping into the boots of his predecessors, said: "He is a mixture. He is less of a runner than Thierry Henry and he is not completely Dennis Bergkamp because he plays higher up the pitch.

"He is the kind of player, with the type of game we play, who is vital because when you play the ball to his feet his first touch is always perfect and that allows others to join in. It makes everybody dangerous. In the box he is clever and intelligent."

Van Persie is relishing his new role, although he admits he has needed to make changes to his approach.

"In the last four or five weeks I've felt much better," he said. "I've had to get used the to new role because previously I played as a second striker and I'm operating as a main striker, so I need to find my way in.

"Earlier in the season I lost too much energy working defensively and needed to find the right balance. It's really important for the team that I have enough energy to score goals and make assists, as well as helping out in other ways."

Against Spurs, Van Persie opened the scoring when his finish squeezed in at the near post, then Cesc Fabregas doubled the lead from the kick.

Van Persie added his second of the match in the second half when he tapped home Bacary Sagna's cross after an intelligent advantage by referee Mark Clattenburg.

Although Van Persie took the man-of-the-match champagne home, 22-year-old Fabregas set the pace of the game from his position in central midfield.

Wenger, when asked if there is a young player like him, said: "No, there isn't. That's why he plays for Arsenal.

"When we saw him play at 16, Cesc had certain things you cannot give to players. He had the science of how to play in the middle, when to turn, what areas to play the ball. That's talent."

Victory ended talk of Spurs having a stronger squad than Arsenal, as suggested by Robbie Keane earlier in the week, although boss Harry Redknapp does not see a huge gulf in class.

"There is no gap between the clubs in my opinion. I think two mistakes turned the game upside down," he said.

"We've got 19 points and we'll still be right up there at the end of the season."

The only negative for Arsenal was losing Nicklas Bendtner for at least a month with a groin problem, while Spurs saw Sebastien Bassong suffer a hamstring injury in stoppage time.