Charlton Athletic 1 Arsenal 2

A WONDER goal from Arsenal's Robin van Persie condemned Charlton to their sixth Premiership defeat of the season at The Valley on Saturday.

The Gunners had to come from behind after Darren Bent converted strike partner Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's cross in the 21st minute.

Van Persie equalised for the visitors just after the half hour when he drilled home Alexander Hleb's pass.

But what happened four minutes into the second half was worth the entrance fee alone as the young Dutchman produced an incredible left-foot volley from the edge of the area after being picked out by Emmanuel Eboue.

Arsenal were grateful to keeper Jens Lehmann for preserving their lead when he saved smartly from Andy Reid on the hour.

Hasselbaink should have equalised with 11 minutes to play but he sent a free header from Bryan Hughes' cross wide from six yards.

Charlton: Carson, Young, El Karkouri, Fortune, Hreidarsson, Lisbie, Faye (Kishishev h-t), Hughes, Reid (Ambrose 78), Hasselbaink, D Bent.
Subs not used: Myhre, Ashton, Holland.