Manchester United's Robin van Persie (front) celebrates after scoring a hat-trick against Southampton during their English Premier League soccer match at Saint Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England September 2, 2012. (Photo: REUTERS)
Robin van Persie struck twice late on to complete his hat-trick and seal a dramatic 3-2 victory for Manchester United over Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday.
The Dutchman's penalty miss with his side trailing 2-1 looked to have condemned United to a second defeat in their opening three league games but he made amends with two poacher's goals in the dying minutes to steal the points.
His 92nd-minute header was his 100th Premier League goal and his fourth in three appearances for United since he joined from Arsenal for 24 million pounds ($38.12 million)in the transfer window.
Earlier, Lukas Podolski, the man tasked with filling the prolific Dutchman's boots for Arsenal, opened his account in English football in a 2-0 victory at Liverpool.
It was Arsenal's first win, and first goals of the season, after two 0-0 draws, while Liverpool's solitary point from their opening three fixtures is their worst start for 50 years.
In the day's other match, Newcastle United were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Aston Villa, leaving Southampton as the only top-flight side still without a point.
($1 = 0.6296 British pounds)
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