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GGG3: Van Persie v Charlton Athletic, 2006

It's time to reveal the Gunners' Greatest 50 Goals - as voted for by Arsenal's fans.

Marco van Basten's volley for Holland in the European Championship final of 1988 is often held up as the best of its kind. But this goal - by another Dutchman - runs it very close.



Robin van Persie's technical ability and explosive finishing has never been in doubt and he married both together in spectacular style at Charlton in September 2006.



Van Persie had already rescued Arsenal from a perilous position in the match, levelling with a crisp finish after Darren Bent had fired the Addicks in front. And what better way to win the game than with this wonderful volley at The Valley?

The move started with a raking crossfield pass to Alex Hleb on the right. He threaded a pass inside the Charlton full-back for Emmanuel Eboue to charge on to. The Ivorian's marauding runs from right-back were a feature of Arsenal's attacking play at the time and he met the ball with a first-time cross which curved towards the edge of the penalty area.

Meanwhile Van Persie had sprinted forward to get near the box for Eboue's delivery. He met the cross at high speed, 20 yards from goal, leaping into the air to keep his left boot over the ball. The Dutchman executed his volley perfectly and it flew past Charlton keeper Scott Carson en route to the top corner.



Van Persie celebrated wildly and who could blame him? He had just scored the greatest goal of his career.

 

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