Arsenal vs. Manchester United: Robin Van Persie Will Show No Mercy to Man U

Here's a fun stat for you: In games that Robin van Persie scores a goal for Arsenal, the team is 12-2-1.

That's obviously an impressive mark for the team, but it's also impressive to note that van Persie has notched a goal in 15 of Arsenal's 27 games.

Or that in six of those games, he scored two or more goals.

It's fairly obvious how vital van Persie is to Arsenal's success—his 22 goals for the squad this season speaks for itself.

Which is why for Arsenal to win, they'll need a big day from their star.

I expect him to deliver. Arsenal is ready to go, as he told The Metro:

"

What happened at Old Trafford is a motivation, for sure. I had never lost a match 8-2 before, so I am hungry to put that right, as is the entire team, the captain said in his programme notes for the game.

Everyone has been looking really sharp in training this week, so we are ready for the game and feeling positive about it.

"

What happened at Old Trafford was a humiliating defeat to Manchester United in August. Though van Persie scored in that game, he also failed to capitalize a penalty shot early in the contest that could have knotted the game at one apiece.

Arsenal probably wouldn't have won that day, but an early tie would have made things far more interesting and competitive.

One thing is for certain—van Persie hasn't forgotten about his missed opportunity. He'll want to make amends this afternoon.

And with three points at stake for fifth-placed Arsenal and vengeance on the mind, I think he'll do just that.

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