Robin van Persie is no stranger to the Arsenal vs. Manchester United fixture. Having signed for the Gunners in 2004 from Feyenoord, the Dutch striker went on to score four goals against United before he signed for them in the summer of 2012. Since then, hes found the net on three occasions against his former employers. Ahead of tonights meeting between the two clubs at the Emirates Stadium, Sports Mole has looked back on each of the 30-year-olds seven goals in this encounter. Arsenal* 2-1 Man United, January 2007 The hosts were trailing to a Wayne Rooney header, but Van Persie sparked a late comeback in the 83rd minute when he slid in at the back post to convert a low cross from Tomas Rosicky for the equaliser. To sum up his luck with injuries, he broke a bone in his foot celebrating. Arsenal* 1-3 Man United, May 2009 United were already 4-0 up aggregate and heading for the Champions League final when Darren Fletcher was adjudged to have brought down Cesc Fabregas inside the area. As the Scottish midfielder trudged off, Van Persie stepped up to convert a consolation from the penalty spot. Man United 8-2 Arsenal*, August 2011 On what was an humiliating afternoon for the North Londoners, Van Persie struck into the top corner of the net to reduce the arrears to 6-2 in the home sides favour. Arsenal* 1-2 Man United, January 2012 Having missed a relatively straightforward chance earlier in the match, Van Persie atoned for that error by drawing Arsenal level in the 71st minute. Alex Oxlade- Chamberlain played in the frontman, who beat Jonny Evans to the ball before shooting across Anders Lindegaard and into the bottom corner of the net. Man United* 2-1 Arsenal, November 2012 Following his switch to United, it took Van Persie just three minutes to haunt his former teammates. Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen failed to clear Rafael da Silvas cross from the right and the centre-back was punished when Van Persie stole in to fire in with his right foot. Arsenal 1-1* Man United, April 2013 Van Persie would have felt that his decision to join United had been vindicated by the fact that he returned to the Emirates for the first time as a Premier League champion. After United fell 1-0 behind, Van Persie was felled by Bacary Sagna and duly dispatched the resultant penalty. Just as he had done earlier in the season, he decided not to celebrate. Man United* 1-0 Arsenal, November 2013 While he decided that celebrating was not appropriate last season, this term Van Persie could not put a lid on his emotions. He flicked in the only goal of the game from a Rooney corner with his head and went on to display his elation by sliding on his knees before being piled on by the rest of the United team.
Posted on: Wed, 12 Feb 2014 17:38:47 +0000
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