Barclays Premier LeagueYesterdaySouthampton 2-3 Man UtdLiverpool 0-2 ArsenalNewcastle 1-1 Aston VillaRobin van Persie scored a hat-trick to give Manchester United a last-gasp 3-2 win over Southampton at St Mary’s in what was Sir Alex Ferguson’s 1000th league game as a manager. Van Persie also saw a penalty saved by Saints goalkeeper Kelvin Davis.The Dutch striker headed in Nani’s injury-time corner after levelling from close range to cap a dramatic recovery.Southampton led through Rickie Lambert and Morgan Schneiderlin headers, either side of Van Persie’s first equaliser.Van Persie also missed a 68th-minute penalty, when United trailed 2-1. It was a heartbreaking finale for Nigel Adkins’ battling Southampton side who more than matched their illustrious visitors throughout a pulsating clash at St Mary’s.Schneiderlin thought he had earned a famous victory for the South Coast club when he swooped on a slip from United defender Patrice Evra in the penalty area to plant a bullet header past Anders Lindegaard.But ex-Arsenal striker Van Persie paid back a huge slice of his £24m transfer fee with his late rescue act.He smashed in a rebound from Rio Ferdinand’s header for the second equaliser before sending a near-post header from Nani’s left-wing corner flashing across Kelvin Davis into the far corner of the net.Earlier in the afternoon, Arsenal secured their first victory of the season in impressive style at Anfield as they won comfortably against a desperately poor Liverpool.
