Robin van Persie has told Arsenal teammates the late equaliser conceded at AZ Alkmaar must be a wake-up call.

Van Persie admits it is vital Arsenal beat lower-placed sides - starting with West Ham on Sunday - if they are to stay within sight of leaders Manchester United.

Van Persie, 26, said: "We're very encouraged by some of the other league results because when you look at last weekend, Liverpool and Chelsea lost. We've played eight games now and won six.

"It's looking good for us as long as we stay consistent against the smaller teams. We need to keep getting three points against them.

"Last season, we lost some games we should have won and we later had five back-to-back draws. We have to avoid that. Time will show how well we will do."