Sol Campbell has warned his young Arsenal teammates that the title battle will not get any easier.
After victory over Hull City, only two points now separate the top three, although Chelsea have played a game less.
Indeed, Sir Alex Ferguson suggested Arsenal "might yet mount the biggest challenge" after his Manchester United side leapfrogged the Blues with victory over Fulham.
Campbell - the 35-year-old former Gunners skipper, who rejoined them on a short-term deal during January - maintains there is no such thing as a soft touch in the Premier League.
"We kept fighting and got the win in the end, and we do not care as long as the win comes," Campbell told Arsenal TV Online.
"It is never easy, you have to win and earn your rights, you have to play good football - nobody is just going to give you three points in this league, no chance.
"We just have to keep focused, picking up the wins and stay in there."