RVP 'surprised' by early goal

Published Oct. 16, 2011 3:16 p.m. ET

foxsports

Van Persie got both Arsenal's goals in the Premier League clash at the Emirates, stunning the Black Cats as he grabbed the lead inside the opening minute before restoring their advantage after Sebastian Larsson's leveller. "I guess it was my first touch," van Persie told Sky Sports. "I was a bit surprised as well, but it was a really good pass from Gervinho, I took a good touch with my left foot and it went in. "But I didn't know it was such a quick goal. How long was it?" Van Persie then fired in a fine free-kick with eight minutes left to put the Gunners back in front after a similar, excellent set-piece from Larsson had brought Sunderland level after half an hour. Van Persie admitted he has been missing chances of late and was delighted to find the met. "I felt confident because it's my favourite position, but I have to be a bit critical and look at myself because I have missed many chances, so it was about time to be honest." There was a nervy finish as Arsenal missed chances to kill Sunderland off but they hung on for a crucial win as they bid to turn around a poor start. "We've been there before in the last couple of minutes trying to hold on to a 2-1 score and we did well," he said. "They pump in every single ball and they can cause problems, but we have to handle them and all of the back four defenders and the midfielders try to help each other, so credit goes to the whole team." Before the match, van Persie had used his programme notes to dismiss speculation about his future at the club. "I had seen loads of comments about a story like that, I thought after one or two days it would go away, but it didn't so I felt it was time to explain things and I did that. "I'm committed. This is my eighth year. If you can say of one player that he's committed, it's me."