Robin van Persie: Arsenal Must Win against Liverpool to Stay in Title Race

(This entry was originally published in this blog December 2008 and it is based on the information of that time.)

You know that Arsenal hosts Liverpool on 21 December 2008 in a Big Four encounter and their Dutch striker Robin van Persie thinks it is a must win match for Arsenal. The Netherlands international thinks that Arsenal has to win the match against Liverpool in order to remain in the title race and another defeat would make them out of the race. Robin van Persie also recollects the memory of last season’s frustrating Champions League quarter final defeat to Liverpool which stunned the Gunners as they thought they were already through to the semi final while leading 1-0 with five or six minutes off the final whistle in the second leg match. However, two late goals from Steven Gerrard and Ryan Babel ensured a semi final spot for Liverpool.

Telegraph reported:

“Our only chance of winning the title is to win the big games,” said van Persie. “If we beat Liverpool it becomes five points and anything can happen.”

Van Persie will use the memory of last season’s epic Champions League meeting between the sides to spur him on as he seeks revenge for “how they hurt us”.

“It was so frustrating because we were through. We just had to defend for five minutes but were not able to do that.

“We always keep in mind what happened. I know how their team are playing and what they did against us before and how they hurt us. I always take that with me.”

Arsenal defeated the big teams like Manchester United and Chelsea so far this season, but also lost to five games to the likes of Fulham, Stroke City, Hull City. So, Arsenal needs to keep winning over the big rivals to stay in the title race of Premier League.