Mikel Arteta has called on his squad to assume full responsibility for the Premier League title chase and to "get the job done" after a brief period of rest and reflection following their loss to Manchester City. The Gunners were overtaken at the summit by City after a 1-0 victory at Burnley on Wednesday. With both clubs now level on points and five matches left to play, the championship remains very much up for grabs for either side.
Arteta described the final five‑game stretch as "a new league" and highlighted the upcoming Saturday night clash with Newcastle United at the Emirates as the first test of this fresh phase. He stressed that Arsenal are prepared to rebound after back‑to‑back setbacks against Bournemouth and City. "It's essential that we feel confidence, trust and crystal‑clear clarity about what we intend to achieve on the pitch," he told Sky Sports. "Now is the moment for every player to take ownership.
We can talk all day, but the real work happens on the field – we must simply get the job done." He added, "We have a number of senior figures who step up and lead by example, but the younger lads and those without much experience also bring personality and determination that are vital in moments like this." Arteta praised the way his players responded to the defeat at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, noting that they used the ensuing days to recharge both physically and mentally. He said the dressing‑room atmosphere after the loss was exactly what he wanted to see. "The immediate reaction in the locker room was something I really liked," Arteta explained.
"I could sense that the lads were even more convinced than before the game that we can still achieve our goal." He described the week following the loss as a period of rejuvenation: "The sun was shining, we took the opportunity to refresh ourselves and talk about the kind of team we want to become. The analytical part of our preparation was brief and took place at the start of the week. After that, the focus shifted to the qualities we want to display, the clarity we need, and the five games that lie ahead. Newcastle is game one – we go for it." Arteta emphasized how fortunate he feels to be in such a position: "We are privileged to be where we are.
We value this standing, and now we must seize it." Even though Arsenal fell short against City, many observers praised their more adventurous, attacking approach, which seemed to unsettle the league leaders. The manager acknowledged that goal difference could become a decisive factor and admitted that selecting his line‑up for the closing weeks will be his toughest challenge, especially with key players Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori edging back from injury.
"One of the biggest headaches for any manager at this stage is getting the starting eleven right and deciding how we will finish the match," he said. "We have to plan for the game we expect at kickoff and then be ready to adapt if circumstances change.
Our squad now has a very varied profile, which is a strength." He expressed optimism about the return of injured personnel: "Hopefully this weekend we will have another two or three players back, which would be a massive boost for us, and we are looking forward to that." Gabriel Martinelli, speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the Saturday fixture, relayed Arteta's message to the group after the Etihad loss. The manager reminded the team that they "know how to get there" in the title race and that they must finally end the 22‑year wait for a league crown. Martinelli echoed the sentiment: "He told us to have full belief in ourselves. He said we didn't reach this point by chance or because of others – it’s because of us.
It's because of what we've done all season. We know how to get there, we want to win the title and etch our names into the club’s history." He continued, "In those final five games the pressure will be even greater. Everyone inside this club believes in themselves, so we just have to show it on the pitch and give our best for the badge." Defender William Saliba also voiced confidence that Arsenal will give everything in the closing weeks to finally break the 22‑year drought.
He described the recent defeat to City as undeserved but emphasized the lessons learned. "We are now in the crucial part of the season," Saliba told Men In Blazers. "The last few weeks haven't been great, but we learn from them and now we look forward to Saturday, hoping to turn things around." He added, "We know exactly what we must do to win the league.
We have to start strong on Saturday. The pressure is on, and when you love football you thrive in these big games." Reflecting on the loss, Saliba said, "When you lose, it's disappointing, and we felt we didn't deserve that result. But that's life – you don't always get the outcome you want.
We learned a lot from that game and now we understand that anything is possible if we win every remaining match." He concluded, "We need to stay calm, give everything on the pitch, and fight until the final whistle. It's a collective effort – the fans, the team, the staff – everyone must give their all and battle for every ball." As the season draws to a close, Arsenal's leadership, both on and off the field, is focused on harnessing the momentum built during the brief recharge period. The emphasis is on confidence, unity, and a clear tactical plan for each of the remaining fixtures.
With a mix of experienced heads and eager youngsters, the Gunners aim to translate belief into results, hoping to clinch the Premier League trophy and end a 22‑year wait for league glory. The upcoming match against Newcastle United will serve as the first barometer of whether Arsenal can translate their renewed confidence into a winning performance. If they can secure three points and maintain composure in the final stretch, the title race could tilt decisively in their favour. The stakes are high, the margin for error is slim, and Arteta's call for ownership and execution will be tested in the weeks ahead.
In summary, Arteta's message is clear: take responsibility, trust in the collective ability of the squad, and deliver on the pitch. The players have responded positively to the post‑defeat reflection, and with key injuries potentially resolved, Arsenal are poised to launch a final surge toward the Premier League crown.