Van Persie: Ready for title charge

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Robin van Persie believes Arsenal are beginning to demonstrate their title credentials.

The Gunners ground out a 2-0 win away at West Ham on Sunday to cement their grip on fourth spot and keep them within touching distance of the Premier League summit.

On a productive weekend for Arsene Wenger's men, rivals Chelsea and Manchester United both saw crucial points slip through their fingers.

With than in mind, Holland international Van Persie feels Arsenal's success at Upton Park should be regarded as a 'massive win'.

Resilience

"I think this proves we have the resilience to challenge for the league, yes, because we scored a goal after more than 70 minutes and it was a tough game," the 25-year-old told the Evening Standard.

"They had their chances in the first half with (Craig) Bellamy and a few others. If you win this game at 2-0 at the end, it is a great job.

"The win was really important - we knew that before because at half time we knew Chelsea lost 1-0 and of course Man United had a draw so it was really important to get back and make some steps up the table.

"It was not easy. They played very well, especially in the first half-an-hour - they were all over the place. But we knew somehow we would get chances, especially in the second half because they gave everything in the first.

"This is what we said to each other at half-time, just keep the belief high and this is what we did. It was a big, big win for us - a massive win."

Outstanding

West Ham striker Bellamy is also of the belief that Arsenal should be regarded as title contenders, with the Welshman left in awe at the Gunners' strength in depth.

He said: "They are an outstanding outfit, keep the ball very well and we had to work very hard.

"Sometimes you think you might be over the worst of it and then you look at (Emmanuel) Adebayor coming on and its a different level.

"It's very difficult for a lot of teams in the Premier League, we're no different. A player like Adebayor coming on is not the greatest sight you want to see. But credit to him and to Arsenal, they got the three points."