EPL: Van Persie hogs limelight as Man United hold Arsenal

Dutch striker Robin van Persie enjoyed an eventful return to his old club Arsenal for the first time when he scored and was booked as champions Manchester United held the Londoners to a 1-1 draw at the Emirates.

Van Persie, whose goals helped fire United to the title in his first season at Old Trafford, was jeered throughout by Arsenal fans.

He lost possession which led to Theo Walcott scoring inside two minutes, was shown a yellow card for a clumsy challenge on Per Mertesacker but held his nerve late in the first half when he scored from the spot after he was felled by Bacary Sagna.

Arsenal lost third place to Chelsea after their London rivals beat Swansea City 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to move on to 65 points from 34 games. Arsenal have 64, having played one game more, and Tottenham Hotspur are on 62 in the battle for a top-four finish and the Champions League places.

Photograph: Eddie Keogh/Reuters