Arsenal defender Sol Campbell

Veteran defender Sol Campbell has warned Arsenal's youngsters not to expect an easy ride as they battle to land the Premier League title.

The Gunners are very much in the hunt for a first championship since Campbell led the 'Invincibles' of 2003/2004 following a last-gasp 2-1 victory at struggling Hull on Saturday, where Nicklas Bendtner's stoppage-time goal paved the way for the Tigers to dismiss manager Phil Brown.

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.

Next up for Arsene Wenger's men are relegation battlers West Ham, while Wolves and Wigan also visit the Emirates Stadium next month.

However, there is also the small matter of a clash against top-four hopefuls Manchester City and the north-London derby with Tottenham at While Hart Lane to negotiate.

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 said.

"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."

Arsenal's title credentials have already been written off more than once this season, most notably following successive defeats by their direct rivals at the start of February.

Therefore, Wenger is unlikely to give too much credence to the same critics now championing his side.