Yet another accolade for RvP

Striker's heroics rewarded again

By Zain Alvi | 29th May 2012

Arsenal skipper Robin van Persie scooped up one more award last week to add to his increasing collection that already includes the Premier League Golden Boot, the PFA Player of the Year, and the FWA Footballer of the Year for the 2011-2012 season.

RvP has now been honored for scoring the Gunners faithful’s most favorite goal of last season, with his stunning match-winning volley against Everton beating other impressive strikes from Mikel Arteta and Thierry Henry.

With the Gunners struggling to breach the Toffees’ disciplined defense for most of that tense December 10 evening, the Dutchman latched on to Alex Song’s chipped pass to clinically beat Tim Howard for the decisive goal in his side’s 1-0 win.

The brilliant one-touch goal amassed 49 percent of the votes, as reported at Arsenal’s official website.

Mikel Arteta’s late winner against Manchester City during another tense 1-0 win was chosen as a distant second with 12 percent of the votes.

The Spaniard had collected the ball in midfield area before unleashing an unstoppable striker past Joe Hart to earn a win that seemed to have pushed the Citizens out of the title race.

Somehow, Roberto Mancini’s side recovered from an eight-point deficit to finish above Manchester United on goal-difference en route to their first Premier League triumph since 1968.

Van Persie was honored yet again by Arsenal fans for third most popular goal of the season but perhaps one that will live longer than any other in their memories.

With Arsenal trailing Tottenham in the North London derby, RvP scored the equalizer to spark a remarkable 5-2 comeback win over the Spurs. The win ultimately proved decisive as the Gunners finished in third place, only a point above their bitter cross-town rivals.

The derby goal earned van Persie 10 percent of the votes, which tied with Thierry Henry’s FA Cup goal against Leeds United – the Frenchman’s first upon his Gunners return.

Time to show loyalty

Van Persie reportedly had unsuccessful contract talks with manager Arsene Wenger a few days ago and speculation has since been rife about his chances of joining English champions Manchester City.

With his former Arsenal teammates Kolo Toure, Gael Clichy, and Samir Nasri claiming league winners’ medals earlier this month, the striker is understandably being careful about his future decisions due to a strong pursuit of silverware.

But according to his wife and mother, the 28-year old should stay at the club that turned him from a promising youngster with raw talent to one of Europe’s most feared scorers.

“Arsenal showed faith in Robin when he was going through a lean time, so we should not repay them by thinking about other clubs. Our home life and our children are happy in London,” wife Bouchra was quoted.

Mother Jose continued in the same vein: “Arsenal love him and that’s a great incentive to stay. Arsenal are a fantastic club. They have no debts and Robin is idolized there.”