Chelsea manager Antonio Conte says champions require consistency and composure as the Blues prepare to host Tottenham for the first time since ending their rivals' Premier League title bid last season.
Mauricio Pochettino's team dropped points in four of the eight games prior to the May 2 trip to Stamford Bridge, where Spurs had not won in 26 years.
Conte says Spurs' loss of composure at Chelsea, when they conceded a two-goal lead and handed Leicester the Premier League title in a bad-tempered contest, was not the sole reason for their title miss.
But his comments were as much a message to his Chelsea side than a comment on Spurs' implosion.
"For sure, you don't lose a championship in one game,'' Conte said. "In my experience you lose or win a championship over many games. Precisely 38.
"I always told that to my players. Don't find an excuse and fight, because you lose or you win for 38 league games, not for one game.''
Chelsea are Premier League leaders entering this weekend's fixtures after winning six straight games, scoring 17 goals without reply. Tottenham are unbeaten this season and have a point to prove on Saturday evening.
The Blues finished 10th in their woeful title defence last season but had a say in the championship against Spurs in a game which featured 12 yellow cards -- nine for Spurs. Both clubs were fined by the Football Association for failing to control their players.
Additionally Spurs midfielder Mousa Dembele was retrospectively banned for six matches, missing the start of this season, for an apparent eye gouge on Chelsea striker Diego Costa.
Conte told Chelsea to channel their emotions in the London derby, just as he does as an animated presence in the technical area.
"It's right to show your passion, but in the right way, not in a bad way,'' he said.
"I want my players to play with great intensity, with great passion, but always in the right way.''