02 January,2012 11:49 AM IST | | Agencies
Arsenal star Robin van Persie says taking advantage of their rivals dropping points by winning against QPR was more important to him than setting a new Premier League scoring record.
Arsenal's Van Persie celebrates scoring against QPR. Pic/Getty Images
The Dutchman went into the game at The Emirates needing a hat-trick to beat Alan Shearer's record, set in 1995. However, Van Persie could only score once to take his total to 35u00a0-- one short of Shearer.
The finish from the 28-year-old does mean that he climbs above Thierry Henry as Arsenal's top Premier League scorer for a calendar year, the Frenchman having once netted 34. "For me, the main thing today was the win.
Man United lost, Chelsea lost and Spurs dropped two points, so it is a big day for us."
Other EPL results:
' Swansea 1-1 Tottenham
' Norwich 1-1 Fulham
' Stoke 2-2 Wigan
' Bolton 1-1 Wolverhampton
