Updated: Wednesday, 19 Mar 2014 22:11 | Comments Robin van Persie scores the opening goal from a penalty kick The Olympiakos goalkeeper Roberto watches on as Robin van Persie completes his hat-trick with a fine free kick Video Audio A stunning Robin van Persie hat-trick was enough to put Manchester United into the quarter-finals of the Champions League and relieve the pressure on their beleaguered manager David Moyes. Van Persie, who left the pitch on a stretcher late on, converted a first-half penalty and scored on the brink of half-time before he struck the final goal of the 3-0 win with a free-kick just after the restart. The win meant that United saw off the challenge of Olympiakos 3-2 on aggregate. The Theatre of Dreams
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Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie feeling ‘frustrated’
Robin van Persie has expressed his "frustration" at Arsenal's inconsistency this season after the club's campaign took another turn for the worse at Blackburn Rovers. GettyImagesArsenal have made their worst ever start since the arrival of Arsene Wenger Arsenal looked on course to make it back-to-back Premier League wins at Ewood Park on Saturday as they led 2-1 at half-time only for Arsene Wenger's side to capitulate in the second half with struggling Blackburn running out 4-3 winners. Van Persie has told the club's official website: "There is lots of time, but at some point you need to pick yourself up and prove what you are capable of. We are not doing that at the moment and are not consistent enough. It just
Robin Van Persie handed captain’s armband
Arsene Wenger hailed the leadership qualities of Robin van Persie after confirming the Dutchman will be Arsenal's new captain.GettyImagesRobin van Persie has replaced Cesc Fabregas as Arsenal's new captain• Toon, Arsenal charged by FA• Cesc tips young duo to shineVan Persie takes over from Cesc Fabregas following the Spain international's move to Barcelona, assuming the role of captain seven years after he moved to the Gunners.Wenger announced his decision in the pre-match programme notes for Arsenal's Champions League qualifier with Udinese. Van Persie is suspended for the match after the fallout to Arsenal's exit at the hands of Barcelona last season, so his reign will effectively start in the weekend's league clash with Liverpool.Thomas Vermaelen has been confirmed as vice-captain, meaning the
Van Persie, Gibbs and Vermaelen suffer injuries
Arsene Wenger is sweating on the fitness of Arsenal trio Robin van Persie, Kieran Gibbs and Thomas Vermaelen.GettyImagesRobin van Persie: Arsenal's star performer• Arsene hopeful of signing• Arsenal 1-2 Benfica (UK) Van Persie sustained a painful-looking injury during Saturday night's 2-1 friendly match loss against Benfica, and received lengthy treatment following the knock. He did not enter the fray for the second half.Wenger has revealed left-back Gibbs and centre-back Vermaelen have also picked up issues ahead of the club's Premier League opener against Newcastle next weekend. The Gunners then face Udinese in the Champions League before tackling Liverpool.First asked about Van Persie, Wenger said: "It is an ankle problem, I don't know how bad it is. Gibbs has a muscular [thigh] problem