Ten of the best: RVP Goals (Final Part)

So this could be the end of Robin van Persie’s love affair with Arsenal.

After signing for the Gunners back in 2004, the Dutchman is looking likely to call time on an eight-year relationship with his current employers.

His tenure in North London may have seen scandal, a lot of injuries, but it also saw one heck of a lot of goals; 132 to be precise.

His brace against Bolton Wanderers towards the beginning of his season helped him rack up his century, before going on to add another 32 strikes.

Van Persie’s goals over the last few years have been like gold dust to the Gunners especially over the past 18 months.

And being Dutch means that there have been some crackers along the way.

Here is Part Three of the Top 10 RVP goals.

3. Vs Liverpool (21/12/2008)

In third is this little gem nearly three years ago. The Dutch forward gave the home side the lead after controlling a long ball from Samir Nasri with ease, turning onto his weaker foot in the same swivel and then power his shot past Pepe Reina to cap off a brilliant Van Persie goal.

 

2. Vs Everton (Premier League – 10/12/2011)

With 13 goals in his last 10 games, RVP was on a hot streak when it came to finding the back on the net going into a tough match at home to Everton last December. Despite dominating the possession count, it looked as if it was turning into one of those days for Arsenal. But then with 20 minutes left on the clock, Alex Song floated a chip over the top from the edge of the centre circle into the territory of the Dutchman. With the ball arriving from a great height in the penalty area, Van Persie focused, before smashing an unstoppable volley past a beaten Tim Howard into the far corner. A breath-taking goal, worthy of winning any match. This striker against Everton is your runner-up.

 

1. Vs Charlton (30/09/2006)

Not hard to guess the winner, I’m sure a lot of you have this as your favourite RVP moment. Van Persie scored twice this day as Arsenal came from behind to win at the Valley but the game will always be remembered for THAT goal. Having got his side level in the first half, four minutes into the second half Emmanuel Eboue floated a wayward cross out towards the edge of the area at head height. There was no way this ball could be hit on goal, only a header would have got on target but nobody told Van Persie that. The striker at full pace, leaped above his marker and somehow made connection with his left foot to send his unbelievable volley into the top corner and send the away fans behind the goal nuts.

Matt Cotton

@FindingCotton