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 their defeat at the hands of Manchester City. The Gunners slipped from 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 five‑game stretch as "a new league" and highlighted the upcoming Saturday night showdown with Newcastle United at the Emirates as the first test of this fresh chapter.
He stressed that Arsenal are ready to bounce back after consecutive setbacks against Bournemouth and Manchester 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 moment for each of us to take ownership.
We can talk all day, but we must step onto the field and deliver." He praised the influence of senior players while also noting the importance of the younger members of the squad, who, despite lacking experience, possess the personality needed to thrive in high‑pressure moments. Arteta was heartened by the way his team responded to the loss at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. He said the players used the time after the match to recharge both mentally and physically, allowing them to regroup and refocus. "The immediate reaction in the dressing room was exactly what I wanted to see," Arteta explained.
"I could sense that the defeat actually strengthened their belief that we can still win the league." He added that the week following the loss was spent in the sunshine, providing an opportunity to relax and recharge. "We talked about the kind 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 share and the clarity we need for the remaining five games. Newcastle is game one – we go for it." The manager also reflected on the privilege of being in the current position, emphasizing that the squad must now seize the chance. "We value where we are, and now we have to grab it," he said. Even though Arsenal fell short against City, they earned praise for adopting a more attacking approach that appeared to catch the league leaders off balance.
Their willingness to press forward and create chances was a positive sign for the final run‑in. Looking ahead, Arteta acknowledged that goal difference could become a decisive factor in the title race. He admitted that selecting the right line‑up for the closing 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 need to adapt if the context changes. Our squad has a varied profile, which is an advantage." He expressed optimism that additional players would be fit soon, describing their return as a "massive boost" for the team.
Gabriel Martinelli, speaking to Sky Sports before the Saturday fixture, echoed Arteta's message. He recalled the manager telling the squad that they "know how to get there" and that they must end the 22‑year wait for a Premier League crown. Martinelli said: "He told us to have full belief in ourselves.
He reminded us that we didn't reach this point by luck or because of anyone else – it’s because of our own hard work all season. We know how to get there, we want to win the title and write our names into the club’s history. In the next five games, we have to be even more determined.
Everyone in this club believes in themselves, and we just need to show it on the pitch and give our best for the badge." Defender William Saliba also voiced confidence that the Gunners will give everything in the final weeks to finally break the 22‑year drought. He described the recent loss to City as "undeserved" but stressed that the team has learned valuable lessons.
"We are now in the crucial part of the season," Saliba told Men In Blazers. "The last few weeks haven’t been great, but we’ve learned from them and we’re looking forward to Saturday to change the narrative.
We know exactly what we must do to win the league – we have to start on Saturday and keep the pressure on." He continued, "When you lose a game you’re not happy, but it’s part of life. We learned a lot from that defeat and now we understand that everything is possible if we win every remaining match. We need to stay calm, give everything on the pitch, and rely on the fans, the staff, and each other." As the season draws to a close, Arsenal’s focus sharpens.
The team aims to combine the confidence gained from recent reflections with the tactical flexibility required to out‑maneuver rivals. With key players returning, a clear tactical plan, and a renewed sense of ownership among the squad, the Gunners are positioning themselves to make a final push for the Premier League trophy, hoping to end a 22‑year wait and cement their place in the club’s storied history.