Szczesny not expecting easy season run-in

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny believes his side cannot take it easy in their remaining three Premier League games as they fight to finish in the top four.

The Gunners, embroiled in a fierce battle with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur to finish in the top four, appear to have the most favourable run-in compared to their London rivals.

Arsene Wenger's men take on relegation-threatened Wigan Athletic, QPR and Newcastle in their final three games, while Chelsea will have to contend with the likes of Manchester United, Aston Villa, Everton and Spurs, whose remaining fixtures also see them clash with Southampton, Stoke and Sunderland.

Szczesny has warned Arsenal not to underestimate their opponents in the remaining fixtures but nonetheless expressed confidence that his side would secure a top four finish this season.

"At this point of the season, it doesn't really matter who we play because I don't think the game against Wigan will be any easier than the game against Manchester United," Szczesny told Arsenal Player.

"Wigan are fighting relegation, QPR will play for their pride and Newcastle on the last day of the season is not exactly an easy game as well.

"I don't think it matters who we play but we've sent a message by not losing [to Man United] which makes our unbeaten run a little bit longer.

"We've sent a message to the teams around us that we are up for a fight and I'm confident that we will be [in the top four].

"We've got three games. I believe if we get nine points, we should be in a good position to finish in the top four, hopefully in third position."

With Arsenal have gone their last eight games unbeaten, Szczesny was quick to lavish praise on his defenders and claimed a solid backline was the foundation of the Gunners' recent good form.

"I think they've been terrific - not only defending very well but also creating goals for us at the other end like they did last week against Fulham," Szczesny added.

"They're getting the credit they deserve because they work very hard and they're very honest lads. I'm very happy for them and it's much easier to play behind them when they are in that kind of form."

Arsenal are currently fourth in the table on 64 points, two points ahead of Spurs and one point behind Chelsea, both of whom have a game in hand.