Arsene Wenger will not allow complacency to trickle into his Arsenal squad ahead of what has been described as a favourable run-in at the end of the Premier League campaign.
After winning their last five league games, the Emirates Stadium club are mounting a late charge for third place and the automatic qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League that follows.
Unlike derby rivals Tottenham, who currently sit one point clear in third spot and remain in the FA Cup ahead of Saturday's quarter-final with Bolton, Arsenal have no distractions going into the final stretch of 2011/12.
Wenger's team's pursuit of their North London rivals is also thought to be helped by a winnable 10 remaining fixtures in which they only face three clubs - Everton on Wednesday, Manchester City and Chelsea - who currently sit in the top half of the league.
Battle
But Wenger told Arsenal's official website: "[Sometimes] there are games that you think will be difficult, but they are slightly easier than expected, and sometimes the easy game is harder than expected.
"You don't make any plans. The only thing we know is what is needed from us - to be at our best no matter what people say about the situation.
"[It is important] to keep your squad available and keep your spirit, togetherness and teamwork at a very high level. Also you must maintain belief and not tighten up. Be relaxed, focused and determined."
Arsenal's recent run has included victories over Liverpool and Newcastle to leave the pair trailing the Premier League's top four by at least eight points, but Wenger has not ruled out either club making another surge.
"Of course the most obvious battle is between Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal, but you have to wait two or three games," he said.
"There are 10 games to go, but three games ago we were 10 points behind Tottenham.
"Things can change quickly. You just want to be focused on your next game and give everything."
