Key Takeaways
- Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to ‘own’ the last five games and end their 22-year title drought.
- The squad spent the week recharging and believes the loss at Manchester City has sharpened focus.
- Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori are close to returning for Saturday’s clash with Newcastle.
Mikel Arteta has told his Arsenal squad to stop talking and start winning after a short break aimed at forgetting back-to-back defeats to Bournemouth and Manchester City.
The Gunners slipped to second when City beat Burnley on Wednesday, yet both clubs sit on 73 points with only five matches left. Arteta calls this run-in “a new league” and says the first fixture, Newcastle’s visit on Saturday evening, is already a cup final.
“We can speak all day, but the ball must roll and we must do the work,” the manager said. “The players feel even more sure than before that we can finish top. We used the sunshine to reset, speak little about the City game and lots about the team we want to be.”
Arsenal’s bolder approach at the Etihad earned praise even in defeat, and Arteta admits picking his XI will be “the biggest headache” with Saka and Calafiori nearing fitness. Goal difference could decide the trophy, so attack and control must stay balanced.
Gabriel Martinelli revealed the boss’s simple post-match message: “Believe in yourselves. We are here because of our own play, not because of anyone else. We know the way; now we walk it.”
Centre-back William Saliba added: “We must win every game and be ready to ‘die’ on the pitch. We didn’t deserve to lose at City, but football punhes you when you don’t finish chances. Saturday is the moment to change the story.”
