Mikel Arteta has called on his squad to assume full responsibility for the title chase and to "get the job done" now that they have taken a brief pause to recuperate and reflect after the defeat at Manchester City. The Gunners slipped from the summit of the Premier League after City’s 1-0 win at Burnley on Wednesday, leaving both clubs level on points with five matches remaining.
The championship is still very much up for grabs, and Arteta insists the final stretch is effectively a "new league" that will test the team’s resolve. Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the Saturday evening clash with Newcastle United at the Emirates, Arteta highlighted the importance of confidence, trust and crystal‑clear objectives on the pitch. "We need to feel that belief, that clarity about what we want to achieve," he said.
"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 field and we have to get the job done." He praised the influence of senior figures in the dressing room while also noting the growing impact of younger members who, despite lacking experience, bring personality and determination to crucial moments. The manager was particularly pleased with the players' reaction after the 2-0 loss at the Etihad, observing that the squad seemed even more convinced of their ability to turn the season around. "Immediately after the game I sensed a stronger belief than before.
The lads were convinced we could still do it," Arteta explained. He described the week following the defeat as a period of recharging: sunshine, a short analytical session, and a renewed focus on the identity they want to embody.
"We talked about the team we want to be, we refreshed our minds and set clear goals for the remaining five fixtures. Newcastle is game one – we go for it," he added.
The manager acknowledged the privilege of being in a position to contest the title and emphasized the need to seize the opportunity. While Arsenal were criticised for a defensive display against City, many observers praised the more attacking approach they adopted, which appeared to catch the league leaders off guard.
Looking ahead, Arteta admitted that goal difference could become a decisive factor and that squad selection would be his toughest challenge in the final weeks. He is hopeful about the return of key players such as Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori from injury, which would provide a "massive boost". "One of the biggest headaches for any manager is getting the line‑up right – how we start and how we finish the game," he said.
"We have a varied profile of players, which is a strength. If we can add another two or three players back this weekend, it will be huge for us." Forward Gabriel Martinelli echoed Arteta's message, recalling the manager’s words after the Etihad loss: "He told us we know how to get there, that we have to believe fully in ourselves. It’s not because of anyone else; it’s because of us and the work we’ve done all season.
We want to win the title and write our names into the club’s history. In these last five games we have to show that belief on the pitch." Defender William Saliba also stressed the team's determination to give everything in the closing stages. Speaking to Men In Blazers, he described the recent defeat as "undeserved" but framed it as a learning experience.
"We are in the crucial part of the season now. The last few weeks weren’t great, but we’ve learned from them and we’re ready to change the narrative on Saturday," he said.
Saliba highlighted the pressure that comes with high‑stakes games and the necessity of staying calm and focused. "When you lose a game you’re not happy, but that’s life. We learned a lot from that loss and now we know everything is possible if we win each remaining match," Saliba continued.
"We have to be calm, we have to give everything, and we have to die for the badge on the pitch. The fans, the staff, everyone must be behind us." Arteta’s broader strategy involves not only tactical tweaks but also fostering a collective mindset that embraces responsibility and resilience. He wants his players to internalise the idea that the title is within reach only if each individual contributes fully, both on and off the field.
The manager’s emphasis on recharging – both physically and mentally – reflects a modern approach to player welfare, acknowledging that rest and reflection can be as vital as training. The upcoming fixtures against Newcastle, followed by matches with other top‑six rivals, will test Arsenal’s depth and adaptability. With the squad potentially returning to near‑full strength, Arteta hopes to blend experience with youthful energy, creating a balanced unit capable of handling the pressure of a title run‑in. In summary, Arteta’s message to his team is clear: take ownership, trust in each other, and execute the game plan with confidence.
The Gunners have a realistic chance to clinch the Premier League for the first time in 22 years, but it will require unwavering belief, strategic squad rotation, and a collective willingness to seize every opportunity in the final five games. The next weekend marks the beginning of what Arteta describes as a "new league" – a decisive phase where the title will be decided by those who can truly get the job done.