Wayne Rooney Crowns Van Persie's Volley as Premier League's Ultimate Goal
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has officially anointed Robin van Persie's spectacular 2013 volley against Aston Villa as the greatest goal in Premier League history. In a candid discussion on his BBC podcast, Rooney lavished praise on the strike that sealed United's 13th league title while also highlighting his own crucial role in creating the moment.
The Iconic Strike That Secured the Title
During a decisive match at Old Trafford in April 2013, Van Persie delivered a first-half hat-trick that demolished Aston Villa 3-0 and mathematically confirmed Manchester United's championship victory. The second goal of that trio has entered football folklore - a breathtaking 20-yard volley that soared past goalkeeper Brad Guzan into the net.
Rooney declared unequivocally: 'I think, for me, that's the best goal in Premier League history.' The strike stands alongside legendary efforts from David Beckham, Michael Essien, and Jack Wilshere in perennial debates about the competition's finest ever goal.
Meticulous Preparation and Perfect Execution
What makes Rooney's endorsement particularly compelling is his revelation about the extensive preparation that preceded the goal. 'For a few days before the game, we worked on it in training,' Rooney explained, noting they had identified perceived defensive vulnerabilities in Villa's setup.
Rooney described the pre-game conversation with Van Persie: 'I was playing deeper than Robin in midfield and I said to him, "if I get it with time and I take a touch out of my feet, just run and I'll find you."'
When the moment arrived during the match, Rooney executed what he considers his finest ever pass: 'I took a touch, I saw him start running, and I played probably the best pass I've ever played. It was perfect. He didn't have to break stride.'
The Technical Perfection of a Dream Goal
Rooney elaborated on the technical precision required: 'You needed the right height and curl on it, because if I don't it will end up behind him, or if it's flatter it'll end up in front of him. I knew I did it perfect and Robin with his technique, it was a great chance of scoring. Everything was perfect.'
Van Persie's own recollection supports Rooney's account of their preparation. The Dutch striker, who scored 26 goals in his debut United season after a £24 million move from Arsenal, described the goal as 'a dream' and ranked that title-clinching night among his career highlights.
'Before the game, Wayne and I had a little chat on the pitch, and we talked to each other about him finding me in behind the Villa defence,' Van Persie recalled. 'We'd worked on it in training, too.'
The Complex Anatomy of a Perfect Goal
Van Persie broke down the multiple elements that had to align perfectly: 'It's basically like taking a golf shot, but you're doing it on the run. You have to get five or six things exactly right at once: the pass, the movement, the steps, the connection, the direction. You need a bit of luck too because if one thing is slightly off, the ball doesn't go in.'
The striker emphasized the technical challenge: 'I have to count my steps, because if my last step is too big or too small then I can't really connect right. I have to have a quick look to see roughly where the ball will go. Then, just before I hit it, I need to have another look because I know already where the goal is.'
Historical Context and Modern Scrutiny
Interestingly, Rooney's memory included a minor factual discrepancy - he mentioned targeting defender James Collins, who had actually left Villa in 2012. The actual center-backs that day were Nathan Baker and Ron Vlaar, though this slight misremembrance is understandable after more than a decade.
In today's football landscape, Van Persie's strike would face intense VAR scrutiny, as replays show he was extremely close to being offside. However, in that pre-VAR era, the goal stood as a moment of pure footballing artistry.
Rooney reflected on the satisfaction of seeing training ground preparation translate to matchday perfection: 'We never got it perfect like that in training but it shows that if you practice things, during the game it pays off. As soon as it left my foot, I thought, "right, I've done my job."'
For both players, this goal represents the pinnacle of their partnership - a meticulously planned move executed with flawless technique at the most consequential moment, securing a Premier League title and creating an enduring piece of football history.
