Birmingham and Republic of Ireland defender Kenny Cunningham has admitted the Blues must quickly adapt to life in the Premiership if they are not to face a long, hard winter.
After two years in the Nationwide League with Wimbledon, Cunningham returned to top flight action at Highbury on Sunday, when the newly-promoted midlands outfit suffered a 2-0 reverse at the hands of champions Arsenal.
The defeat was no disgrace in itself but it was the manner of the performance which bothered Cunningham.
With their St Andrews opener to come against Blackburn on Saturday, Cunningham said a few harsh lessons must be heeded if the club are to match their lofty expectations.
"It was a difficult opening game but I didn't really think we gave it our best shot," said the 31-year-old, who won his 41st international cap in the 3-0 win over Finland on Wednesday.
"We paid them too much respect. They are by far the best side in the Premiership and maybe we were in awe of them to some extent.
"There is a marked difference between the Premier League and Nationwide. The teams are more adept at retaining possession.
"They make you expend so much energy chasing it that by the time you do get it, you give it back almost immediately because you are tired.
"They took their foot off the pedal at the end but if they had really wanted to I'm pretty sure they could have increased the pace and embarrassed us a little bit."
The bookies have made Birmingham certainties for the drop, although with a trip to Everton and a home clash with Leeds to follow the visit of Blackburn, they do have an opportunity to get some early points on the board and give themselves a bit of breathing space.