Robin van Persie bagged a magnificent first-half hat-trick to fire Manchester United to Premier League title glory with a 3-0 win over Aston Villa. Long since accepted as the summer signing that made the difference, Van Persie underlined his value by ensuring there was never a chance Aston Villa might prevent their hosts from collecting the victory required to celebrate championship number 20 in front of their own fans at Old Trafford.
Van Persie took just 81 seconds to sweep home Ryan Giggs' knock-back. Twelve minutes from the break he profited from more unselfishness from the veteran Welshman to complete the second three-timer of his United career. In between he scored one of the best goals of the entire campaign as he followed Wayne Rooney's long ball throughout its 50-yard flight, waited for it to fall out of the sky then smashed a first-time volley into the corner. It was the kind of jaw-dropping moment United have not delivered that often this season. But as the signature to reclaiming the crown Manchester City prized from their grasp with virtually the last kick of the previous campaign, it was perfect. It confirmed Sir Alex Ferguson's 13th title, and Giggs' for that matter, equaling on their own the number Arsenal have won as a club.
For Gunners old-boy Van Persie, at 29, it was number one. And boy did it show at the final whistle as he raised his arms on halfway before joining the celebrations that began almost immediately, even if the trophy presentation has to wait for three weeks.
Really though, the hosts were counting down to the final whistle, as were their supporters, who spent the second half paying homage to a succession of past players who have contributed to previous successes. Their focus switched when referee Anthony Taylor brought the evening to an end though, and Van Persie was the man they owed most thanks to.
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