35 league goals in one calendar year, 17 coming at the start of this season. Every one had that air of predictability about it. It had to be the captain who scored.
Had van the man managed to break the long lasting premier league record for goals in a calendar year, set by Alan Shearer, 36, the dutchman would have been well and truly in the history books.
So how important is Van Persie to Arsene Wenger? to Arsenal?
The answer: unquestionably vital.
It must have taken a long hard thought from Wenger to let both Fabregas and Nasri leave last summer, but most Arsenal fans would agree that they have kept the vital element, the vital element that holds Arsenal together and keeps them ticking. The element symbolised RVP.
Nasri and Fabregas both left for different reasons, but RVP's future has never been questioned.
The truth is, as results have shown, the Gunners aren’t the same team without the Dutchman striking fear into the eyes of those opposing him.
27 October 2011 epitomised that. With the North London side at home to Stoke, Wenger left his super star striker on the bench and 67 minutes in, a point looks on the cards for a toothless Gunners.
Cue a substitution. Two goals in nine minutes from van Persie. Put a price on that, Barcelona.
In the first five minutes of coming on, the six foot striker had scored more off the bench than any Blackburn or Bolton sub has this season to date: one. Clinical.
Van Persie has got used to scoring goals for Arsenal.
And despite his Champions League red card last season against Barcelona, Arsenal’s main striker did something that neither Sergio Aguero or Wayne Rooney could; guide his side through to the Champions League knock out stages. Van Persie scored twice in the final group game at home to Borussia Dortmund to guarantee their safe passage through as group winners.
One thing which has to worry the striker and the rest of his team mates is the lack of recent trophies in Arsenal’s trophy room. A lot is made of Arsenal’s failure to hold out under pressure, something they proved in the Carling Cup final last season against Birmingham City, but Wenger’s bred the youngsters and surely another final can only be around the corner.
Van Persie looking dejected after their Carling Cup final defeat last season
It's been the excuse for some time, Arsene Wenger is breeding youngsters, and the youngsters haven't quite stepped up.
But picture this... an Arsenal side without Robin Van Persie.
They may be lingering in or around the top half, but the Champions League, Europe, both out of question.
Out of sight, out of mind.
So what has prompted Wenger to change his style, and buy players more experienced; Per Mertresacker, Mikel Arteta, Gervinho? Surely it's because he has realised nothing can replace experience. Finally.
Regardless of who signs this transfer window (rumours of signing Salomon Kalou have circulated), it is clearly imperative that any system or change in system is based around the Arsenal talisman, their number eleven.
Van Persie has been on fire for Holland too, scoring four times as they beat San Marino 11-0 in a Euro 2012 qualifier.
That includes Thierry Henry, who made a goalscoring return against Leeds United in his Arsenal debut the second time around.
If the system changes, Arsenal lose Van Persie as the player he has become.
And while title hopes have gone again for this season, you have to feel as though Arsene Wenger might finally have got his act together in making a squad able to challenge properly for domestic honours. It won't be this season, but it might be next.
Arsene Wenger has had to find a new backbone in his squad, but it's been frustrating so far for the Frenchman.
It would be refreshing to see Arsenal back at their best, they aren't there at the moment, because they are the best footballing team in the Premier League and they should be winning the trophies that their football often deserves.
Maybe when the next final comes, they can keep their composure.
And while title hopes have gone again for this season, you have to feel as though Arsene Wenger might finally have got his act together in making a squad able to challenge properly for domestic honours. It won't be this season, but it might be next.
Arsene Wenger has had to find a new backbone in his squad, but it's been frustrating so far for the Frenchman.
It would be refreshing to see Arsenal back at their best, they aren't there at the moment, because they are the best footballing team in the Premier League and they should be winning the trophies that their football often deserves.
Maybe when the next final comes, they can keep their composure.
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