Robin van Persie's Feyenoord side managed to sneak a 1-0 win against AZ Alkmaar, despite his side failing to register a shot on target.
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Van Persie's Feyenoord win 1-0 against AZSide did not have single shot on targetEx-Arsenal and United star wins four in a rowFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
An own-goal from Zico Buurmeester in the 32nd minutes was all Feyenoord required to steal all three points away in Alkmaar and grant the new Feyenoord boss his fourth win in seven games. Van Persie's side, who now sit in third, managed just eight shots, all of which were off target, to the hosts' 13, of which five were on target. Despite their lack of proficiency in front of goal, the Feyenoord defence held strong to keep a clean sheet and ensure that, for the first time ever, an Eredivise game was won without a registering a shot on target – as per Opta.
AdvertisementGETTYWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
Despite its unglamorous nature, the footballing world could not believe Van Persie's achievement.
On X, @TheCleverR labelled it affectionately: "RVP TERRORBALL❤️🔥".
Similarly, @MilamboFR claimed it was an "RVP masterclass".
Clearly not an AZ fan, @zandy_szn saw the funny side: "Feyenoord just won a game without having a single shot on target.🎯 That's Football for you.😂"
Referencing the manager's disastrous game at AZ in charge of Heerenveen earlier this season, @RalfCrutzen said: "Robin van Persie must be the first coach ever to lose 9-1 and win 0-1 in the same stadium in one season."
After a disappointing season, Van Persie, drawing comparison to Arne Slot, has also got some fans dreaming of overhauling their rivals above them. @Milambooyah said: "One of the biggest downfalls on a sporting and administrative level this season and this Feyenoord will simply finish second, above the best PSV since 1980, all thanks to Arne van Persie."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Van Persie defended his side's approach, stating: "We always want to play football, but an opponent also plays a role in that. AZ mainly played long balls. That gives you a different type of match.
"If we want to play football, we can. And if it becomes a fighting match, that's fine too. We can fight, as we showed today. That's what I like about this 0-1."
After a difficult opening three fixtures, including two defeats to Inter in the Champions League, Van Persie has won four games on the bounce and got the fans back on side. Even if his team is not raining shots down on the opposition goal, they are finding a knack of claiming all three points.
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR VAN PERSIE?
Feyenoord will look to keep their momentum building when they travel to Fortuna Sittard next weekend. With PSV now just five points ahead, and undergoing a late season collapse, Feyenoord have their rivals in their sight and will be happy with wins, no matter the fashion in which they come.
