Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has been named the 2012 Footballer of the Year by England's Football Writers' Association. Tuesday's announcement came just a few days after the Dutch international won the equivalent Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) award and meant the 28-year-old had collected English football's two most prestigious individual honors in the same season. Van Persie topped the poll of journalists with an overwhelming victory ahead of Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney in second place and his Old Trafford teammate Paul Scholes third, and Fulham's Clint Dempsey fourth. The Gunners forward has scored 27 Premier League goals so far this season – his best return for Arsenal. Van Persie will receive the FWA accolade, which has been running since 1948, at a gala dinner in London on May 3. FWA chairman Steve Bates, chief football writer at The Sunday People, said: “Robin was the overwhelming choice of our members this season and deservedly so after a magnificent campaign for Arsenal. “The quality of his goals, attacking movement and consistency in a turbulent season for The Gunners has been eye-catching. “The considerable size of his majority in the votes cast by our members reflected the general view that he has been the season's most outstanding individual performer.” Malaga on course Malaga stayed in the final Champions League qualifying spot in Spain after coming from behind to draw 1-1 draw at Osasuna on Monday following Santi Cazorla's second-half goal. The Spain midfielder curled a shot from outside the area beyond diving goalkeeper Andres Fernandez in the 67th minute at Reyna de Navarro stadium. An errant pass by Malaga goalkeeper Carlos Kameni in the 53rd allowed Alvaro Cejudo to cross for Juan “Nino” Martinez to head into the net at the far post. Malaga was twice denied by the goal-frame but remains in fourth place, three points above closest chaser Levante. Osasuna moved within a point of sixth spot and the last Europa League berth. West Ham keeps hopes alive West Ham ensured its bid for automatic promotion to the English Premier League will go to the final day of the season after coming from behind to win 2-1 away to Leicester Monday. The Hammers had to take all three points at the Walkers Stadium otherwise Southampton would have been assured of the second and final automatic promotion spot behind already crowned Championship winners Reading. Leicester led when Ben Marshall's cross was headed home by Jermaine Beckford in the 34th minute but five minutes later Winston Reid equalised from Matty Taylor's center. Jack Collison settled the match in West Ham's favour with a 25-yard shot shortly before the hour mark. West Ham is two points behind the Saints going into Saturday's final day. The London club needs to beat Hull City on the final day and hope Southampton lose to relegated Coventry. If the Saints draw, West Ham would need to win by three or four goals – depending on how many Southampton score – to clinch promotion.
