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 recent defeat at the hands of Manchester City. The Gunners slipped from the top of the table after City’s 1-0 victory at Burnley on Wednesday.
With both clubs now level on points and only five fixtures left, 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 clash with Newcastle at the Emirates as the first test of this fresh chapter, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
He stressed that Arsenal are ready to rebound from the back‑to‑back setbacks they suffered against Bournemouth and then Manchester City. "It’s crucial that we feel confidence, trust and absolute clarity about what we want to achieve on the pitch," he told Sky Sports.
"Now is the moment for every player to take ownership. We can talk all day, but the real work happens on the field, and we have to deliver." He added, "We have a number of senior players who lead by example and are hugely influential, but the younger lads and those without much experience also bring a lot of character.
They are ready to step up when it matters most." Arteta praised the way his group responded after the loss at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, noting that the team used the downtime to recharge both physically and mentally. "The immediate reaction in the dressing room was exactly what I wanted to see," he said.
"I could sense that the players left the game even more convinced that we can still win the league." He described the following week as a period of rejuvenation: "The sun was shining, we took the opportunity to refresh ourselves and talk about the kind of team we want to become. The analytical discussion was brief and early in the week.
After that, we focused on our objectives, the clarity we need, and the five games ahead. Newcastle is game one – we go for it." Arteta emphasized the privilege of being in the current position and the responsibility that comes with it: "We value where we are, and now we must seize the chance." Even though Arsenal were beaten, many observers praised the more attacking approach they displayed against City, a tactic that appeared 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 right line‑up for the remaining fixtures will be his toughest challenge, especially with key players such as Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori edging closer to full fitness. "One of the biggest headaches for any manager is getting the line‑up right for both the start and the finish of a match," he explained.
"We have a varied squad, which is a strength. If we can add two or three more players back this weekend, it will be a massive boost for us." Forward Gabriel Martinelli relayed Arteta’s message to the squad after the Etihad loss, saying the manager urged the players to believe in themselves and remember that their progress is the result of their own efforts, not external factors. "He told us to have complete belief in ourselves," Martinelli said. "We didn’t get to this point by luck or because of anyone else – it’s because of what we have done all season.
We know how to reach the summit, we want to win the title and etch 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 all for the badge." Defender William Saliba echoed the sentiment, insisting the squad is prepared to give everything in the final weeks to finally end the 22‑year wait for a league crown 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 looking forward to Saturday to 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 on, and when you love football you thrive in these big games. Losing is never pleasant, and we felt the defeat against City was undeserved, but that’s part of life. It teaches us that everything is possible if we win every remaining match." Saliba stressed the need for composure and determination: "We need to stay calm, give everything on the pitch, and fight until the final whistle.
It’s a collective effort – the fans, the staff, the whole club – we must all give our all and leave everything on the field." With the title race tightening and both Arsenal and Manchester City level on points, the upcoming fixtures will test the Gunners' resolve, depth and tactical flexibility. Arteta’s emphasis on ownership, confidence and a refreshed mindset aims to galvanise the squad as they embark on what he calls a "new league" in the final stretch of the Premier League season.