Mikel Arteta has called on his squad to take full responsibility for the Premier League title chase and to "get the job done" after a brief period of rest and reflection following their defeat at the hands of Manchester City. The Gunners lost their grip on the top of the table when City edged them out with a 1-0 victory at Burnley on Wednesday. With both clubs now level on points and only five matches left in the season, the championship is still very much up for grabs.
Arteta described the final stretch of the campaign as a "new league" and highlighted the upcoming Saturday night clash with Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, as the first test of this fresh phase. He stressed that Arsenal are ready to rebound after consecutive setbacks against Bournemouth and City. "It is crucial that we feel confidence, trust and clarity about what we want to achieve on the pitch," he told Sky Sports.
"Now is the time for each of us to take ownership. We can talk all day, but the real work happens on the field, and we must deliver." He praised the influence of senior players while also acknowledging the growing importance of younger members of the squad, noting that even those without extensive experience have shown the personality needed for such a pivotal moment. Arteta was particularly pleased with the reaction in the dressing room after the loss at the Etihad Stadium.
He said the players used the time that followed to recharge, reflect and reinforce the collective belief that they can still clinch the title. "The immediate response in the locker room was exactly what I wanted to see," he explained. "You could sense that they were even more convinced than before the match that we are capable of finishing this season as champions." He described the week after the defeat as a period of recuperation: "The sun was shining, we took the opportunity to refresh ourselves and talk about the kind of team we want to become.
The tactical analysis was brief and early in the week; the rest of the time we focused on the objectives we need to achieve over the remaining five games. Newcastle is game one – we go for it." Arteta added that the club feels privileged to be in this position and that the squad must now seize the opportunity. Despite the loss, Arsenal received commendation for adopting a more attacking approach against City, a strategy that seemed to catch the league leaders off balance. Looking ahead, Arteta acknowledged that goal difference could become a decisive factor in the title race.
He admitted that selecting the optimal lineup for the final weeks will be his toughest challenge, especially with key players such as Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori nearing a return from injury. "One of the biggest headaches for any manager is getting the starting eleven right and deciding how we will finish each game," he said.
"We have a diverse group of players, which is a strength. If we can get two or three more players back this weekend, it will be a massive boost for us." Forward Gabriel Martinelli shared Arteta's message with the squad after the Etihad defeat, emphasizing the belief that the team knows how to reach the summit and end Arsenal's 22‑year wait for a league title. "He told us to have total belief in ourselves," Martinelli recounted.
"We didn't get to this point by relying on anyone else – it’s all down to us, our work all season, and our desire to make history for the club. In the remaining five games, we must show that belief on the pitch and give everything for the badge." Defender William Saliba echoed the sentiment, stating that Arsenal are prepared to give their all in the closing weeks to finally secure the long‑awaited trophy after what he described as an undeserved loss to City. "We are now in the crucial part of the season," Saliba told Men In Blazers.
"The last few weeks have been tough, but we have learned from them and are looking forward to Saturday to turn things around." He stressed the importance of consistency: "We know exactly what we must do to win the league – we have to start winning from Saturday. The pressure is on, and when you lose a game you’re not happy, but we learn and move forward. Every match now is a must‑win if we want the Premier League." Saliba also highlighted the need for composure and collective effort: "We must stay calm, give everything on the pitch, and fight for every point.
It’s not just the players; the fans, the staff, everyone has a role. We have to die for the badge in the best possible way." As the Gunners prepare for the final sprint, the focus remains on unity, belief, and execution. With the title race tightening and the schedule unforgiving, Arteta’s call for ownership and his squad’s renewed determination could prove decisive in ending a 22‑year league drought and lifting the Premier League trophy for the first time since 2004.