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 had been leading the table until City’s 1-0 victory at Burnley on Wednesday, a result that saw the two contenders finish level on points with five matches remaining, meaning the championship is still very much up for grabs for both clubs. Arteta described the final five‑game stretch as a "new league" and highlighted the upcoming Saturday night showdown against Newcastle United at the Emirates as the first test of this fresh phase.
He emphasized that Arsenal are eager to rebound after consecutive losses to Bournemouth and Manchester City, insisting that confidence, trust and a clear sense of purpose are essential for what the team aims to achieve on the pitch. "It’s vital that we feel confidence, that we trust each other and that we have absolute clarity about what we want to accomplish on the field," Arteta told Sky Sports.
"Now is the moment for every player to take ownership. We can talk all day, but the real work happens when we step onto the turf and we have to finish the job." He praised the influence of senior figures in the dressing room while also noting the importance of younger players and those with less experience, who have shown personality and a willingness to step up in crucial moments. According to Arteta, the reaction within the squad after the loss at the Etihad Stadium was exactly what he wanted to see – a heightened belief that the title is still within reach. "Immediately after the game, the vibe in the dressing room was something I really liked.
I could sense that the players were even more convinced than before that we can still achieve our goal," he explained. The manager added that the team used the following week, blessed with sunshine, to recharge and refocus.
"We talked about the kind of team we want to be. The analytical part was brief at the start of the week; after that it was all about us, about the things we want to see and build again – that connection, that clarity, and the five games left.
Newcastle is game one – go for it." Arteta believes Arsenal are privileged to be in this position and that they must now seize the opportunity. Despite the loss, the Gunners received commendation for adopting a more attacking approach against Manchester City, a tactic that appeared to catch the league leaders off guard and suggested a tactical evolution that could serve them well in the closing stages. Looking ahead, Arteta acknowledged that goal difference could become a decisive factor and that selecting the right lineup will be his toughest challenge in the final weeks.
The return of key players such as Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori from injury adds another layer of complexity to his decisions. "One of the biggest headaches for any manager is nailing the starting eleven and deciding how we finish the game," he said. "We have to consider the game we expect at the beginning and then adapt if the context changes.
Our squad has a very diverse profile, 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 echoed Arteta’s message in a pre‑match interview with Sky Sports. He recalled the manager’s words after the Etihad defeat, emphasizing that the players know how to reach the summit and end Arsenal’s 22‑year Premier League drought. "He told us to have full belief in ourselves.
He said we didn’t get to this point and play good football because of anyone else – it’s because of us," Martinelli said. "It’s because of what we’ve done all season. We know how to get there, we want to win the title and write our names into the club’s history.
In those five games, the pressure will be even greater. Everyone believes in themselves inside this club – we just have to show it on the pitch and give our best for this badge." Defender William Saliba also stressed the team’s determination to give everything in the final stretch, describing the recent loss to Manchester City as undeserved but a learning experience. "We’re 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, to changing everything.
We know what we have to do to win the league – we must start on Saturday. The pressure is good; when you love football you want these big games." He admitted the disappointment of the defeat but framed it as part of the journey: "When you lose a game you’re not happy. We know we didn’t deserve that loss, but that’s life.
It’s like a battle – you don’t always win, but you learn. We’ve learned a lot and now we know everything is possible.
We must win every remaining game if we want the Premier League." Saliba called for calmness and collective effort, urging the team, staff and fans to give their all: "We need to stay calm, we need to fight on the pitch, we need everyone – the fans, the squad, the staff – to give everything and leave everything on the field." As Arsenal prepare for their decisive matches, the atmosphere at the Emirates is charged with anticipation. The manager’s emphasis on ownership, the players’ renewed belief, and the potential return of key personnel create a narrative of resilience and ambition. With five games left, every point will be vital, and the Gunners aim to convert their momentum into the long‑awaited Premier League trophy, ending a 22‑year wait and cementing their place in Arsenal’s storied history.