Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are on the verge of losing the Premier League title to Manchester City for the third time in a row. Arsenal were knocked off top spot by City following their 1-0 defeat at Burnley on Wednesday. With both teams level on points with five games remaining, the Premier League title is still in their hands.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Arteta urged his players to “take ownership” and “get the job done.” Calling the five-game run-in a “new league”, Arteta revealed his team is ready to bounce back from two back-to-back defeat to Bournmouth and City.
“It’s important to feel the confidence, the trust and clarity on what we want to deliver on the pitch,” he said. “But now is a moment for all of us to take ownership. We can talk all day, but we need to go on that pitch and we need to get the job done.”
“We do have a lot of players who stand up and they are very influential. But the young ones as well and the ones who don’t have that experience as well, they have a lot of personality as well to play in this moment.”
Arteta also revealed his team took time to recharge and reflect in the aftermath of their defeat to City. He said he felt encouraged by their reactions in the dressing room after the game.
“Immediately, the reaction in the dressing room I really liked because I could sense that they were even more convinced than before the game that we’re going to do it,” Arteta said. “It was a long week, the sun was shining. We used it to recharge, refresh… We talked about the team that we want to be.
“The analytical part was very short and at the start of the week. Afterwards, it was focus on us and the things we want to see and build again; that connection and clarity and the five games left. Newcastle is game one – go for it.
“I think we are privileged to be in the position we are. We value the position, now we need to grab it.”
The title race continues for Arsenal, beginning with a Saturday evening clash against Newcastle at the Emirates. Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori are also preparing to return from injury.
Also Read: How Manchester City Dominated Possession Against Arsenal
