Van Persie seals Arsenal victory at Anfield

Two goals from Robin van Persie, the second in stoppage time, earned Arsenal a crucial 2-1 Premier League victory at Liverpool on Saturday to strengthen their claims of a top-four finish.

The lethal Dutchman volleyed the winner during eight minutes of added time having headed an equaliser in the first half after Liverpool had gone ahead courtesy of an own goal from Arsenal centre-half Laurent Koscielny.

Van Persie has now weighed in with 31 goals for Arsenal this season and the latest two helped Arsenal move three points above fifth-placed Chelsea who are playing at West Bromwich Albion later on Saturday.

Liverpool, who less than a week ago won the League Cup at Wembley, surrendered their unbeaten home league record and remain in seventh place, 10 points adrift of the top four with a game in hand.

Leaders Manchester City can open up a five-point lead later at home to Bolton Wanderers with champions Manchester United away at third-placed Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday