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 to Manchester City. The Gunners slipped from the top of the table when City secured a 1-0 victory at Burnley on Wednesday. With both clubs now level on points and only five fixtures remaining, the championship is still very much up for grabs for either side.
Arteta described the final five‑game stretch as "a new league" and pointed to the upcoming Saturday night clash with Newcastle at the Emirates, 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. "Confidence, trust and clarity about what we want to achieve on the pitch are essential," he told Sky Sports. "Now is the moment for each of us to take ownership.
We can talk all day, but the real work happens on the field – we must get the job done." He highlighted the influence of senior players while also praising the younger members of the squad, noting that even those without extensive experience possess the personality needed to perform in high‑pressure moments. Arteta was pleased with the way his players responded to the loss at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
He said they used the subsequent days to recharge both physically and mentally, allowing them to reflect on the team's direction. "The immediate reaction in the dressing room was exactly what I wanted to see," he explained. "I could feel that after the game they were even more convinced that we can still achieve our goal." He added that the week after the defeat was spent largely outdoors, taking advantage of the sunshine to unwind and reset. "We talked about the kind of team we want to become.
The analytical part was brief; the rest of the week was about focusing on the qualities we need to rebuild and the clarity we require for the remaining five games. Newcastle is game one – we go for it." Arteta believes the club is in a privileged position and that the players must seize the opportunity.
"We value where we are, and now we have to grab it," he said. Even though Arsenal fell short against City, many observers praised the more attacking approach they displayed, which seemed to catch the newly crowned league leaders off guard.
Looking ahead, Arteta acknowledged that goal difference could become a decisive factor in the title race. He admitted that selecting his line‑up for the concluding weeks will be his toughest challenge, especially with key players Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori on the verge of returning from injury.
"One of the biggest headaches for any manager is getting the starting eleven right and deciding how we will finish the game," he remarked. "We have to start with a plan and then adapt if the situation changes.
Our squad offers a variety of profiles, which is a strength." He expressed optimism about the imminent return of additional players: "If we can get two or three more players back this weekend, it will be a massive boost for us, and we are looking forward to that." Forward Gabriel Martinelli, speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the Saturday fixture, echoed Arteta's message. He recalled the manager telling the squad that they "know how to get there" in the title race and finally 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 haven't reached this point by chance or because of anyone else – it's because of our own work." "It's our effort throughout the season that has brought us here. We know the path to the title, we want to win it and etch our names into the club's history.
In these final five games, the pressure will be even greater." "Everyone in this club believes in themselves, so we just need to show that belief on the pitch and give our all for the badge," he added. Defender William Saliba also stressed the team's determination to give everything in the closing weeks to finally break the 22‑year drought 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 haven't been ideal, but we have learned from them and are eager to play on Saturday and turn things around." He continued: "We know exactly what we must do to win the league – we have to start strong on Saturday. The pressure is good; it means we are playing the games that matter." "Losing is never pleasant, and we felt we didn't deserve that defeat, but that's football. It teaches you resilience.
We have taken a lot from that experience and now understand that every match must be won if we want the Premier League." Saliba emphasized the need for composure and commitment: "We need to stay calm, give everything on the pitch, and fight until the final whistle. It’s a collective effort – fans, players, staff – everyone must give their all." As the season draws to a close, Arsenal's leadership group insists that the combination of renewed confidence, tactical flexibility, and the return of key personnel will be vital in the final sprint. With the title still within reach, the Gunners are determined to translate belief into results and, if all goes to plan, bring the Premier League trophy back to North London for the first time in over two decades.