Robin van Persie reminded his former club just what they are missing, scoring the opening goal as Manchester United beat Arsenal 2-1 on Saturday to pile the pressure on Chelsea at the top of the Premier League.

Playing against the Gunners for the first time since his big-money move to Old Trafford in August, van Persie fired home after just three minutes for his 10th goal of the season.

Wayne Rooney dragged a penalty wide in first-half injury time for United, but the England striker crossed for Patrice Evra to head in the clinching goal in the 67th minute.

Arsenal, playing the final 21 minutes with 10 men after Jack Wilshere was sent off for two bookings, grabbed a consolation goal through Santi Cazorla with the final kick of the game.

Chelsea can go back to the top of the table if they win at Swansea City later on Saturday.