Robin van Persie is one of the most clinical forwards in world football, and has from time to time come up with great winners during his career for both Netherlands and his club sides, Arsenal first and now Manchester United.The left footed marksman has been critical for United this season, and has been heavily among the goals the last few years. In this article, we take a look at some of his best winners during his club career in England, all of which are characterized by his trademark ruthlessness and composed finishing.
#6 Arsenal vs Liverpool, Anfield 2012
In a bid to remain in contention for a top-four spot, Arsenal travelled to Liverpool at the start of March 2012. The North-London club didn’t have the best of starts, conceding an own-goal courtesy Laurent Koscielny in the 23rd minute. However, they did come back strongly, equalising 8 minutes later thanks to a header from Van Persie.
A whopping 8 minutes were added to the stipulated 90 minutes. In the second minute of added time, he delivered the winner for his side by scoring a superb volley that went between Reds keeper Pepe Reina and the near post. The goal helped Arsenal seal a crucial win ensuring they stayed in line for a top-four finish.
#5 Arsenal vs Chelsea, Stamford Bridge 2008
Arsenal and Chelsea faced off at Stamford Bridge in the November of 2008. It wasn't the best of starts for the Gunners, as they again conceded a self-goal in the 31st minute courtesy Johan Djourou, to hand the Blues the lead. Heading into the second half, Wenger and his men had to turn the tables on Chelsea quickly and they did just that.
Robin van Persie first delivered the equaliser, courtesy a blistering right-footed strike in the 59th minute. Three minutes later, the Dutchman netted a second one, this time with his left foot, courtesy a free-kick from Cesc Fabregas.The second goal also proved to be the winner for the Gunners in the end as they secured an important win over the table-toppers.
#4 Arsenal vs Charlton Athletic, The Valley 2006
Arsenal was trailing early in their trip to The Valley in 2006, thanks to a goal from Darren Bent in the 21st minute.The Gunners, however, came back strongly thanks to an equaliser from Van Persie in the 32nd minute.
Four minutes into the second half, the Dutchman smashed an incredible volley into the net, leaping in the air, courtesy a cross from Emmanuel Eboue, to help his side take a 2-1 lead as they eventually won the game.
Manager Arsene Wenger later called it the “goal of a lifetime”. The winner didn’t fetch the Dutchman that award, but he was rewarded with the Goal of the Month award for September and he also won the Rotterdam Sportsman of the year that season.
#3 Manchester United vs Arsenal, Old Trafford 2013
It was David Moyes’s first-year in-charge as United boss and the season had not got off to the best-of starts with the Red Devils failing to win consistently.
The game against Arsenal was touted by many to be an extremely important one with respect to the title race. 26 minutes into the first half, United earned a corner. Wayne Rooney was the man who took it and the Dutchman thumped a superb header into the left-hand corner of the net to help help his side gain a 1-0 lead and eventually the win.
Van Persie’s celebrations after scoring the goal, however, did get him a bit of a stick.
#2 Liverpool vs Manchester United, Anfield 2012
The Reds took the lead seconds after half-time courtesy a volley from their skipper, Steven Gerrard. United, however, were not to be left behind and equalised from a screamer from Rafael in the 51st minute.
With nine minutes left and the score tied at 1-1, Glen Johnson fouled Antonio Valencia inside the box to give United a penalty and the chance to go 2-1 up. Moments later, the Red Devils gained the advantage when Robin Van Persie netted the goal from the spot to help his side secure a crucial 2-1 win.
#1 Manchester United vs Manchester City,Etihad Stadium,2012
Manchester City had not lost a game at home in 2 years when rivals Manchester United came visiting them in the December of 2012. The unbeaten home record seemed in jeopardy after Wayne Rooney netted two goals in the first half, the second of which was his 150th for the club. However, City came roaring back courtesy goals from Pablo Zabaleta and Yaya Toure.
With the game locked at 2-2 and a few moments to go, Manchester United got one last chance of winning a memorable derby, courtesy a freekick. After a discussion with Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie delivered a terrific left-footed free-kick that deflected off Samir Nasri and landed into the net, thereby securing a critical win for his side.
The match is also remembered for angry City fans throwing a coin at United defender Rio Ferdinand.
