Mikel Arteta has insisted that Arsenal remain firmly in the hunt for the Premier League title, despite losing top spot to Manchester City in the closing stages of the season.
City moved to the summit following a narrow 1-0 victory over Burnley on Wednesday, edging ahead of Arsenal on goals scored with both sides level on points. The shift came less than a fortnight after the north London club had appeared in control of the title race, having built a commanding nine-point lead.
However, recent setbacks including damaging defeats to Bournemouth and City have left Arsenal’s title ambitions hanging in the balance.
The Gunners must now respond immediately, with a crucial fixture against Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday offering a chance to reclaim first place, provided they avoid defeat.
Speaking ahead of the match, Arteta expressed confidence in his squad’s mentality and determination to recover from their dip in form, which has seen them win just once in their last six matches across all competitions.
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“Win tomorrow, game one win and then we’ll be much closer. I have belief in our players and our people and what we want to achieve,” he said. “Five games to go. Tomorrow game one, all in, let’s go for it.”
Arsenal’s recent struggles have revived memories of previous title races in 2023 and 2024, when late-season slips allowed City to overtake them. Yet Arteta remains optimistic, emphasising the opportunity still within reach as the campaign enters its decisive phase.
The Spaniard is expected to be boosted by the return of key players, including Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori, both of whom have been sidelined by injury in recent weeks. Their availability could provide a timely lift as Arsenal seek to regain momentum.
Meanwhile, City, managed by Pep Guardiola, appear to be hitting peak form at a critical moment. With FA Cup commitments this weekend, Arsenal may have the advantage of playing twice in the league before City’s next top-flight outing.
Arteta, drawing on his own experience of winning the Scottish Premiership with Rangers on goal difference in 2003, acknowledged that fine margins often decide titles. He urged his players to commit fully to the remaining fixtures.
“Everything you have, you have to put it on the table, and you have to make it happen,” he said.
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