Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has revealed that last season's 2-1 win against Barcelona in the Champions League was his highlight of 2011.

Despite coming from behind to beat the Spaniards at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners were eventually knocked out of the competition with 3-1 second leg defeat in Spain.

"It's so difficult to pick a personal highlight from the year, but a couple of events stand out, such as beating Barcelona at the Emirates," the Dutchman told the club's official website.

"That has become a really nice memory. Everyone who you ask about that game smiles in response."

Van Persie needs to score a hattrick against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday to beat Alan Shearer's record of 36 goals in a calendar year.

Written by
Jack Prescott