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 summit after City’s 1‑0 victory at Burnley on Wednesday, leaving both clubs level on points with five fixtures remaining.
Consequently, the championship remains very much up for grabs, and the final stretch will decide who lifts the trophy. Arteta framed the last five games 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 emphasized that Arsenal are eager to bounce back after consecutive setbacks against Bournemouth and Manchester City. "It’s essential that we feel confidence, trust and clarity about what we want to achieve on the pitch," he told Sky Sports.
"Now is the moment for each of us to take ownership. We can talk all day, but we must step onto the field and get the job done." He praised the influence of senior players while also noting the importance of younger members and those without extensive experience, saying they all possess the personality needed for this crucial period. Arteta was pleased with the way his players responded to the loss at the Etihad Stadium, pointing out that they used the time after the match to recharge and contemplate the team they aspire to become. "The immediate reaction in the dressing room was exactly what I wanted – they seemed even more convinced than before the game that we can achieve our goal," he explained.
The manager described the week after the defeat as a chance to reset. "The sun was shining, we used that energy to refresh ourselves. We talked about the style of football we want to play. The analytical part was brief; the rest of the week was about focusing on the connection, clarity and the five games ahead.
Newcastle is game one – we go for it. We feel privileged to be in this position; now we have to seize it," Arteta added. Although Arsenal fell short against City, they earned praise for adopting a more attacking approach that seemed to catch the league leaders off‑balance. This tactical shift has given Arteta confidence heading into the final run‑in, but he also acknowledged that goal difference could become decisive.
Selecting the optimal line‑up will be his toughest challenge, especially with the return of key players such as Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori from injury. "One of the biggest headaches for any manager is figuring out the starting XI and how we finish the game," Arteta said. "We need to anticipate the scenario we expect at kickoff and then adapt if the context changes. We have a varied squad, which is a strength.
Hopefully this weekend we’ll have another two or three players back – that would be a massive boost for us." Forward Gabriel Martinelli relayed Arteta’s post‑match message to the squad, emphasizing belief and self‑reliance. "He told us to have full belief in ourselves. We didn’t get to this point because of anyone else – it’s because of us, because of what we’ve done all season. We know how to get there, we want to win the title and etch our names in the club’s history," Martinelli said.
He added that the remaining five games will be even more critical and that the entire club must translate its confidence into performance on the pitch. Defender William Saliba echoed the sentiment, insisting that Arsenal are ready to give everything in the final weeks to end the 22‑year wait for a league crown. "We’re in the crucial part of the season now.
The last few weeks haven’t been great, but we’ve learned from them and now we look forward to Saturday, aiming to change everything," Saliba told Men In Blazers. He stressed the need for composure and collective effort: "We must stay calm, give everything, and fight for every point. The fans, the staff, the whole club – we all have to die for the badge on the pitch." The upcoming fixtures will test Arsenal’s resolve.
After the Newcastle game, they face a series of high‑pressure matches where every point matters. Arteta’s strategy will likely involve balancing attacking intent with defensive solidity, ensuring that the team remains resilient even if the opposition applies intense pressure.
The manager also hinted at possible tactical tweaks depending on the opponent’s style, underscoring his willingness to adapt. In addition to the on‑field considerations, Arteta highlighted the psychological aspect of the title race. He believes that the brief period of reflection after the City loss helped the squad regain focus and reminded them of the standards they set for themselves. By reinforcing a culture of ownership, he hopes to cultivate a mindset where each player feels accountable for the collective outcome.
As the season draws to a close, the narrative surrounding Arsenal is shifting from a hopeful challenger to a decisive contender. The combination of experienced leaders, emerging talents, and returning stars creates a deep roster capable of navigating the challenges ahead. If the Gunners can maintain the confidence Arteta described, execute the tactical plans he outlines, and keep the belief that they can win, the final five matches could very well deliver the long‑awaited Premier League trophy to North London.