Mikel Arteta has told his squad to take ownership of the Premier League finish after a short period of recharge and reflection following the defeat to Manchester City. Arsenal slipped from first when City beat Burnley, but with both teams level on points and five matches remaining the title race remains very much in their hands.
Arteta described the remaining fixtures as a ‘new league’ that starts with Saturday’s evening meeting with Newcastle at the Emirates, live on Sky Sports, and said his players are ready to respond after back-to-back losses to Bournemouth and City. He stressed that confidence, trust and clarity are vital, but that talk must be backed up by action on the pitch.
‘Now is a moment for all of us to take ownership,’ he said, urging the squad to stop debating and start delivering. He praised the influence of experienced leaders and the character of younger players, arguing that even those with less experience have the personality required in a decisive run-in.
Arteta was encouraged by the dressing-room reaction after the Etihad defeat and said the team used the following week to recharge, refocus and reconnect. The managerial analysis was brief, he added, with most of the work spent rebuilding the team identity and preparing for the five remaining games.
‘Newcastle is game one — go for it,’ he said, underlining how privileged the squad are to be in this position and how important it is to value and seize it.
The manager also welcomed the more attacking display against City, which unsettled the new leaders despite the loss. He warned that selection will be a tricky call over the closing weeks, with goal difference potentially decisive and returning players likely to change his options.
‘One of the biggest headaches is picking the starting XI and planning how we’re going to finish games,’ Arteta explained, noting the need to anticipate how contests may evolve and the value of having varied player profiles. He added that another two or three players could be available this weekend, which would be a significant boost.
Forward Gabriel Martinelli relayed Arteta’s message after the City game, saying the manager demanded full belief and reminded the squad that their position is down to their own performances this season. Martinelli said the group know how to win and want to put their names in the club’s history, so now they must show it on the pitch.
Centre-back William Saliba described the City defeat as undeserved but said the team have learned from it and are prepared to give everything in the run-in. ‘We have to win every game now if we want to take this Premier League,’ he said, calling for calm, total commitment and the support of fans, staff and teammates as the club push for the title.