Arsene Wenger knows "hungry" Arsenal face a "massive challenge" as they head into what could prove to be a defining period of their campaign.
The Gunners currently lead the Barclays Premier League as they prepare for Sunday's trip to struggling Middlesbrough.
The game at the Riverside is the first of a run of eight matches in the space of some 21 days - which include a Champions League group decider against whipping-boys Steaua Bucharest, a showdown with title rivals Chelsea and a Carling Cup quarter-final at Blackburn.
With the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Mathieu Flamini, Alex Hleb and striker Robin van Persie all on the treatment table rather than available for selection, the Arsenal manager is all too aware of just how crucial this next month could prove to be.
"It's a massive challenge and we are still hungry," declared Wenger.
"We used to dominate games in the second half, but in the last two games we dropped our pace a little bit.
"We want to get back to the full 90 minutes because that is needed if you want to be consistent."
He added: "We also want to win against Steaua because we want to finish top of the group.
"If we win, we have over a 50% to be top of the group - and it is the best way to prepare for Chelsea."
Wenger may have something of a selection poser as he takes his depleted squad back to the north-east following their midweek draw at Newcastle, but the Frenchman is confident there is enough depth within the ranks to get another positive result and extend the club's unbeaten league start to 16 games.
Wenger maintained: "We are confident.
"Players like Gilberto have a good opportunity to show that he still has an important part in the squad.
"We still have Denilson, who did not play at Newcastle on Wednesday night. Then there are players like Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott, who have come on and are knocking at the door."
Gunners captain William Gallas insists his team-mates have the stomach for a sustained title challenge.
"When a manager is under pressure, they ask the players to fight during 90 minutes," he said.
"I think Newcastle is a good example [for Middlesbrough] because the players didn't want to lose the game. They played for themselves and for the manager.
"We will be tired - but we can find the power to be ready for 90 minutes.
"The best thing is to win every game. We have to come back from there with a victory. It is important for the future."
