The Dutchman got some more much-needed match time during the Emirates Cup encounter with Real Madrid on Sunday.

Manager Arsene Wenger opted for what looks set to be his first-choice front pairing against the Spanish giants, who were beaten 1-0 by a second-half penalty from Adebayor.

With the Togo striker - a summer transfer target for AC Milan - having now committed his future to the Barclays Premier League club, Van Persie feels the duo can strike up an understanding to spearhead the Arsenal team.

"We showed that Ade and I have a few nice combinations together," said Van Persie, whose progress last season was hampered by a series of niggling injuries.

"That is really important for two strikers, you always have to work together, you always have to look for each other. Hopefully this is a good start."

Van Persie had opened the previous campaign in good form, scoring six goals in the first 10 matches.

However, his progress was checked by a knee injury suffered on international duty during October and it was one which would keep him out for the best part of two months.

More problems followed on his eventual return at the start of 2008 and again limited the impact of the attack-minded Dutchman.

However, former Feyenoord striker Van Persie - who turns 25 on 6th August - is determined to enter into the new campaign with a fresh approach.

knuckle down

"I am getting better, taking steps every day and I am really happy with how it is going," he said.

"It is really important for me to get a good start, which is why we are building everything up, and we are two weeks on the way now."

Van Persie added: "I learned a lot in the last two years because I have been injured so much.

"I learned what my body can take and what it can't, so it was an interesting period for me.

"I hope next season will not be so unlucky with injuries.

"I just do not want to think about that, negative stuff. If you think positive, you get positive."

Arsenal have lost some key midfielders this summer with Mathieu Flamini, veteran Brazilian Gilberto and Alexander Hleb all having departed.

But Van Persie feels such movement is now part and parcel of modern football and the rest of the squad - boosted by the summer arrivals of Samir Nasri, Amaury Bischoff and Wales Under-21 international Aaron Ramsey - will knuckle down and get on with the job in hand.

"Players leaving is part of football, those things happen," he said.

"Flamini was a free agent, so he could make this decision. Alex went, but this is football and has been happening for many years.

"Of course, I wanted everyone to stay, but this is not how life is."