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Arsenal the ideal platform for Van Persie - Wenger

Robin van Persie scored a hat-trick in Arsenal's 5-3 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge © PA Photos

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• Profile: Robin van Persie

Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal are the perfect team to bring out the best in Robin van Persie, and he hopes Saturday's victory over Chelsea helps the Gunners realise their trophy-winning potential.

Van Persie has enjoyed an exceptional 2011, scoring 28 goals in 27 league games, including his superb hat-trick in the 5-3 defeat of Chelsea. However, such an outstanding performance serves to highlight exactly what Arsenal could lose should the Dutchman choose to follow Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri out of the club.

Van Persie's contract is set to expire at the end of next season, which increases the pressure on Arsenal to prove he does not have to leave the Emirates to win silverware. Wenger appreciates his team must improve, but also hinted that Van Persie's goals are a direct result of Arsenal's attacking ethos.

"Robin van Persie is an exceptional player who takes advantage of the fact we are a very offensive team," Wenger said. "The whole team works very hard for him.

"You want your players to be at their best without considering any contract negotiations. For me, money is not what you worry about. You want your players to perform at their best, and as long as they're at the club you want them to perform well."

Arsenal remain 12 points behind league leaders Manchester City, but they are within three points of the top four. The Gunners also have a Carling Cup quarter-final with City to look forward to, and they are in prime position to qualify from the group stages of the Champions League.

"Hopefully [the result] has convinced my team that we can realise big things," Wenger said. "To come back into the title race we need much more consistency in our side.

"We are closer to the Champions League places, the next step is come closer to the teams going for the championship. We are closer, but we need some time before we can say that [we are title contenders]."

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