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 period of rest and reflection following the defeat at Manchester City. Arsenal slipped from the summit after City’s 1-0 victory at Burnley on Wednesday, but with both clubs level on points and five matches 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 showdown with Newcastle at the Emirates, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
He believes his side can rebound from the consecutive setbacks suffered 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 everyone to take ownership. We can talk all day, but we must step onto the field and finish the job." He praised the influence of senior players while also noting the importance of younger members and those lacking experience, saying they all possess the personality needed for this crucial stage.
Arteta was heartened by the reaction in the dressing room after the loss at the Etihad Stadium, observing that the players seemed even more convinced than before the match that they could still clinch the title. He explained that the team used the following week to recharge, enjoy the sunshine and discuss the type of side they aspire to become. The analytical work was brief; the focus shifted to reinforcing the collective vision for the remaining fixtures, starting with Newcastle.
"We feel privileged to be in this position," Arteta added. "We must value it and seize the opportunity now." Although Arsenal fell short against City, they earned commendation for a more attacking approach that appeared to unsettle the new league leaders.
The manager now faces the tactical dilemma of goal difference, which could prove decisive, and acknowledges that selecting the optimal line‑up will be his toughest task in the closing weeks, especially with Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori nearing fitness. "One of the biggest headaches for any manager is getting the line‑up right from kickoff to the final whistle," he said. "We have a varied player profile, which is a strength. Hopefully, we’ll have two or three more players back this weekend – that would be a massive boost." Forward Gabriel Martinelli relayed Arteta’s message to the squad after the Etihad loss, emphasizing the belief that the team knows how to reach the summit and end the club’s 22‑year Premier League drought.
Martinelli said the manager urged them to have full confidence in themselves, reminding them that their progress is the result of their own efforts, not external factors. "It’s because of us and what we’ve done all season. We know how to get there, we want to win the title and write our names in the club’s history," Martinelli declared.
"In the next five games, we must show that belief on the pitch and give everything for this badge." Defender William Saliba echoed the sentiment, stating that Arsenal are ready to give their all in the final weeks to finally claim the long‑awaited championship after what he termed an undeserved loss to City. "We are in the crucial part of the season now," he told Men In Blazers.
"The last few weeks were tough, but we’ve learned from them and are looking forward to Saturday to turn things around." Saliba highlighted the pressure that comes with high‑stakes matches, noting that the team must remain calm and fight for every point. He admitted the disappointment of the recent defeat but framed it as a learning experience, insisting that the squad now understands that every remaining game is a must‑win if they hope to lift the trophy.
"We have to be composed, we have to give everything on the pitch, and we need the support of the fans, the staff and the whole club," Saliba said. "It’s time to die for the badge, to leave everything on the field and chase that Premier League title with everything we have." With the title race tightening and the goal‑difference factor looming, Arsenal’s final push will test the depth of their squad, the tactical acumen of Arteta, and the collective resolve of players like Saka, Calafiori, Martinelli and Saliba. The upcoming fixtures against Newcastle and the remaining opponents will determine whether the Gunners can convert their confidence and renewed focus into the championship they have chased for more than two decades.