Van Persie: This shows we can fight for title


Robin van Persie believes Arsenal’s “massive win” at Upton Park on Sunday shows they can be real title contenders.

Arsène Wenger’s side sealed victory at West Ham thanks to Julien Faubert’s own goal and an injury-time strike from Emmanuel Adebayor.

The visitors deserved their win but, for the first hour, the game was in the balance. Along with Theo Walcott, Van Persie perhaps did the most to break the deadlock, hitting the post and forcing one of a number of fine saves from Robert Green.

Afterwards, the Dutchman felt his side had shown the resilience of title-chasers.

“I think so, yes, because we scored a goal after more than 70 minutes and it was a tough game,” said the 25-year-old.

[Linked Image]

“They had their chances in the first half with Bellamy and a few others. But if you win this game 2-0 at the end, it is a great job and a massive win.”

Indeed, it was a massive weekend in the Premier League with last season’s top two both dropping points.

“At half time we found out Chelsea lost 1-0 and, of course Man United had drawn, so we knew it was really important to get back and make some steps up the table," said Van Persie.

“It was not easy. West Ham played very well, especially in the first half an hour.

“But we knew somehow we would get chances in the second half because they gave everything in the first.

“That is what we said to each other at half-time. We would get chances. The only thing was to make them and just keep the belief high. This is what we did.

"In the end I think it was a big, big win for us.”