Arsenal striker Robin van Persie says the club is extremely encouraged by the fact main title contenders are dropping points.

As the Gunners go about their business, scoring at will and notching up points, Chelsea and Liverpool have faltered in recent times, opening up the top half of the table.

van Persie believes that consistency against the lower teams will see the Gunners right in the mix and challening league leaders Manchester United come the end of the season.

"We're very encouraged by other teams dropping points because when you look at last weekend, Liverpool lost three points, Chelsea lost," the Dutchman said.

"In our last eight games, we've won six so it's looking good for us. As long as we stay consistent against the smaller teams. We need to keep winning the three points against them.

"Last season we had some bad spells. We had four draws as well back to back so we have to avoid that."

Arsenal face West Ham at Upton Park this Sunday and will be looking to again get maximum points to remain in the top few of the Premier League.