Robin van Persie feels Arsenal are about to embark on a crucial phase of the season.

The Gunners extended their unbeaten run to 12 matches with a resounding 4-1 demolition of AZ Alkmaar at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night to all but secure a place in the last 16 of the Champions League.

With leaders Chelsea and Manchester United - on whom Arsenal have a match in hand - clashing at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, the trip to Wolves on Saturday evening represents a real opportunity for Arsene Wenger's young side to lay down a marker ahead of the international break.

Van Persie, who has scored eight goals already for the free-scoring Gunners, is in no doubt of the importance of producing another accomplished display at Molineux.

"It is a very crucial time for us now," said the Holland striker.

"Against Wolves, it is a must-win game for us, given that Chelsea and Man United are playing each other.

"After the break we have Sunderland away and then Chelsea, so it will be a tough month, but I am looking forward to it."

Captain Cesc Fabregas netted a brace against AZ as Arsenal chalked up 18 goals from five games at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners have responded well since two successive defeats to both Manchester clubs earlier in the season and victory over Wolves would see them, temporarily at least, move up into second place above United on goal difference.

"We are looking sharp at the moment," Van Persie said.

"Everyone wants to play together and as long as we are enjoying ourselves together we can continue like this."

The Arsenal striker added: "We have one game in hand and are two points off Chelsea so if they lose points we will be in a good position.

"One of the top two will lose points this weekend, so if we want to challenge for the title we have to win."

Arsenal have not secured a trophy since the 2005 FA Cup, and were tipped by many to struggle to hold onto their place in the top four this season with big-spenders Manchester City and improving Aston Villa both looking to gatecrash the Champions League party.

However, Wenger's young side have shown great determination to signal their intent to mount a serious challenge for honours.

Defender Thomas Vermaelen, signed from Ajax for £10million during the summer, said: "Maybe we were a little bit underestimated at the start of the season.

"A lot of people were talking about Arsenal not being good enough to be at the top, but we have done well so far in the Premier League and Champions League.

"We have some big games coming up including Chelsea. If we have a good result against them, then it will be very big for us."

The Belgian centre-back added: "I think we are confident if we play our own game.

"If we do, we can beat a lot of opponents but we have to do it in every game and that is the most difficult thing."

Wenger, meanwhile, has long championed his faith in the development of young talent, with 19-year-old Fran Merida netting a first senior goal in some style during the Carling Cup win over Liverpool.

The former Barcelona youngster is out of contract during the summer, and has been offered a new deal by the Gunners.

Wenger, though, is unhappy at the way Atletico Madrid have made their interest known.

"He has an offer which he has agreed, but has not signed yet," the Arsenal manager said.

"Some clubs are doing their work behind our back to destabilise him.

"We cannot stop that, but it is a fact."