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 were overtaken at the summit by City after a 1-0 loss 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‑match stretch as "a new league" and highlighted the upcoming Saturday night encounter with Newcastle United at the Emirates as the first test of this fresh phase.
He believes Arsenal can rebound from the consecutive setbacks suffered against Bournemouth and City. "It is vital that we feel confidence, trust and crystal‑clear purpose about what we intend to achieve on the pitch," he explained to Sky Sports. "Now is the moment for every player to own the situation.
We can talk all day, but the real work happens on the field, and we must deliver." He praised the influence of senior figures in the dressing room while also stressing the importance of younger members and those without extensive experience, noting that they too possess the personality needed for such a crucial juncture. Arteta was heartened by his players' reaction after the Sunday loss at the Etihad Stadium, saying they used the time that followed to recharge both mentally and physically. "The immediate response in the locker room was exactly what I wanted to see.
I could sense an even stronger belief than before the match that we will turn this around," he said. He added that the week after the defeat was spent outdoors in sunshine, allowing the squad to relax and refocus. "We talked about the type of team we want to become. The analytical part was brief; the rest of the week was about clarity, connection and the five games ahead.
Newcastle is game one – we go for it." "We are privileged to be in this position. We respect it, and now we must seize it," Arteta concluded. Even though Arsenal fell short, they earned commendation for an attacking approach that seemed to catch the newly crowned league leaders off balance. The manager now faces the tactical puzzle of goal difference, which could become decisive, and acknowledges that selecting the optimal line‑up in the closing weeks will be his toughest challenge, especially with Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori edging back from injury.
"Choosing the starting eleven and planning how we finish each game is one of the biggest headaches for any manager," he admitted. "We need a plan for the opening phases and the flexibility to adapt if the match context changes.
Our squad profile is varied, which is an advantage." He expressed optimism that two or three more players would become available over the weekend, providing a "massive boost" to the team's depth. Forward Gabriel Martinelli echoed Arteta's message, recalling the manager's words after the Etihad defeat: the players "know how to get there" and can finally end the 22‑year wait for a league crown. Martinelli said: "Arteta told us to have full belief in ourselves.
He reminded us that we didn't reach this point by luck or by anyone else – it is because of our own hard work. We know the path, we want the title, and we want our names in the club's history. In the remaining five games, that belief must be even stronger.
Everyone in this club believes in themselves, so we just have to show it on the pitch and give everything for the badge." Defender William Saliba also stressed the team's readiness to give their all in the final stretch, describing the recent loss to City as "undeserved" but a learning experience. "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 have learned from them and are looking forward to Saturday to change everything. We know exactly what we must do to win the league – we must start winning on Saturday and keep the pressure on." He reflected on the emotional impact of the defeat: "When you lose, it's disappointing, especially when you feel you didn't deserve it.
But that's football – you learn, you move on, and you understand that everything is possible if you win every remaining match." Saliba emphasized composure and determination: "We need to stay calm, give everything on the pitch, and fight for every ball. The whole club – fans, staff, players – must be united. We have to die for the badge, give everything, and leave nothing on the table." With the title race tightening, Arsenal's leadership team is focused on maintaining belief, sharpening tactical plans, and ensuring that injured stars return swiftly. The upcoming fixtures against Newcastle, plus the remaining four matches, will test the Gunners' resolve and could determine whether they finally break the 22‑year Premier League drought.
In summary, Arteta's message is clear: confidence, ownership, and relentless effort are required. The players have responded positively, using the brief lull to recharge and refocus.
As the season reaches its climax, Arsenal aim to translate that renewed belief into results, hoping to clinch the coveted trophy and write a new chapter in the club's storied history.