Robin van Persie piled on the misery for former club Arsenal as Manchester United registered a comfortable 2-1 victory at Old Trafford yesterday.
The Dutch striker needed fewer than three minutes to put United in front before Patrice Evra doubled their lead in the 67th minute. Arsenal, for whom this defeat was their third in five matches, then saw this latest loss made worse when midfielder Jack Wilshere, in only his second game back following a long injury lay-off, was sent off for a second bookable offence after he caught Evra on the ankle.
“It was a special day. In the end, it was about the game and I think we played well,” said Van Persie. “We were a bit sloppy with the chances we did not take, we should have scored more but we got three points. It is the first time ever I have played against my former club, but in the end it is about the game and we won it, I am pleased with that.”
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson heaped praise on his £24 million summer signing.
“It was an ideal start for us and it was good for Robin,” said the Scot. “I thought he was fantastic today. His movement, his penetration was fantastic.”
Van Persie struck in the third minute when Thomas Vermaelen failed to clear a Rafael cross from the right, he shot into the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the penalty area. England striker Wayne Rooney saw his spot-kick go well wide of Arsenal goal-keeper Vito Mannone’s right post. However, Evra did make it 2-0 when he headed in a Rooney cross following a short corner. Cazorla pulled a goal back for Arsenal deep into stoppage time with virtually the last kick of the match, but defeat meant the Gunners were left nine points off the summit just 10 games into the season.
We put ourselves in trouble: Wenger
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said his side had done themselves few favours in falling 1-0 behind so early in the match
“It was important not to put ourselves in trouble, which is what we did,” said Wenger. “We had a lot of the ball after we conceded the first goal but we did not create a lot. Then, when we were 2-0 down and down to 10 men it became difficult, if it was 11 v 11 then we could have come back.”
Wenger
“It was important not to put ourselves in trouble, which is what we did. We had a lot of the ball after we conceded the first goal but we did not create a lot.”
Van Persie
“It was a special day and I think we played well. It is the first time ever I have played against my former club, but in the end it is about the game and I’m pleased we won it.”
Published in The Express Tribune, November 4th, 2012.
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