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 the defeat at Manchester City. The Gunners slipped from the top of the table when City secured a 1-0 win at Burnley on Wednesday, but with both clubs now level on points and just five matches left, the championship remains very much up for grabs. Arteta described the final stretch as a "new league" and emphasized that the upcoming Saturday evening clash with Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium, broadcast live on Sky Sports, will be the first test of this fresh start. He believes Arsenal have the capacity to bounce back after consecutive setbacks against Bournemouth and Manchester City.
"It is essential that we feel confidence, trust and clarity about what we want to achieve on the pitch," Arteta told Sky Sports. "Now is the time for everyone to take ownership. We can talk all day, but we must step onto the field and get the job done." He highlighted the influence of senior players who consistently lead by example, while also noting that younger members of the squad, even those lacking extensive experience, possess the personality and determination needed for such a crucial moment.
The manager expressed satisfaction with the way his team reacted after the loss at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. According to Arteta, the players used the intervening days to recharge both physically and mentally, allowing them to regroup and refocus. "The immediate reaction in the dressing room was exactly what I wanted to see," he said.
"I could sense that they were even more convinced than before the game that we can still achieve our goal." He added that the week after the defeat was deliberately structured to provide a balance between analysis and rejuvenation. "It was a long week, the sun was shining, and we used that to refresh ourselves. We discussed the type of team we want to become. The analytical part was brief and at the start of the week; the rest of the time we concentrated on the vision we want to build and the clarity needed for the final five games.
Newcastle is game one – we go for it." Arteta stressed that Arsenal are privileged to be in such a strong position and that they must now seize the opportunity. He also praised the more attacking approach his side displayed against Manchester City, noting that it seemed to catch the newly crowned league leaders off‑balance.
Looking ahead, Arteta acknowledged that goal difference could become a decisive factor in the title race, and that selecting the right lineup will be his toughest challenge in the closing weeks. He anticipates the return of key players such as Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori from injury, which should give him additional options. "One of the biggest headaches for any manager is nailing the starting eleven and deciding how we will finish the game," he explained. "We have to adapt if the context changes.
Our squad has a very diverse profile, which is a strength. Hopefully this weekend we will have another two or three players back – that would be a massive boost and we are looking forward to it." Forward Gabriel Martinelli echoed Arteta's message in a pre‑match interview with Sky Sports.
He recalled the manager telling the group that they "know how to get there" and that ending the 22‑year wait for a league title is within reach. Martinelli said, "He told us to have full belief in ourselves. He reminded us that we didn't get this far because of anyone else – it's because of us, because of what we've done all season.
We know the path, we want to win the title and write our names into the club's history. In the next five games it will be even more critical. Everyone believes in themselves at this club, so we just have to show it on the pitch and give our best for the badge." Defender William Saliba also voiced confidence, describing the team as ready to give everything in the final weeks to finally break the 22‑year drought.
Speaking to Men In Blazers, he admitted the recent loss to City was disappointing but framed it as a learning experience. "We are in the crucial part of the season now," Saliba said. "The last few weeks haven't been great, but we learn from them and now we look forward to Saturday to change everything.
We know what we have to do to win the league – we have to start on Saturday. The pressure is good; when you love football you thrive in these big games." He continued, "When you lose, it's painful, and we felt we didn't deserve that defeat. But that's life. We learned a lot and now we understand that anything is possible if we win every remaining match.
We need to stay calm, give everything on the pitch, and let the fans, staff and everyone involved push us forward. We must die for the badge in the best possible way." In summary, Arteta and his players are approaching the final stretch with renewed determination.
After a period of reflection, they have clarified their objectives, reinforced their belief, and are counting on the return of key personnel to bolster the squad. With the title race still level and only five games left, Arsenal aim to translate confidence into concrete results, hoping to clinch the Premier League trophy and end a 22‑year wait for league glory.