Mikel Arteta has insisted that Arsenal remain firmly in the Premier League title race despite slipping from the top spot to rivals Manchester City.
The Gunners lost their grip on first place following City’s narrow win over Burnley on Wednesday, leaving both sides level on points but with Pep Guardiola’s men ahead on goals scored.
Arsenal now face a crucial test against Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, knowing that avoiding defeat could see them reclaim the lead.
Just weeks ago, the north London side appeared on course for their first league title since 2004, holding a commanding nine-point advantage. However, recent setbacks, including losses to Bournemouth and Manchester City, have shifted momentum in the title race.
Despite the dip in form, Arteta remains optimistic about his team’s chances.
“Win tomorrow, game one win and then we’ll be much closer. I have belief in our players and what we want to achieve,” he said. “Five games to go. Tomorrow is the first one, let’s go for it.”
Arsenal have struggled in recent weeks, recording just one win in their last six matches across all competitions, raising concerns of a repeat of previous seasons when they narrowly missed out on the title.
However, Arteta believes the team still has everything to play for.
“We have two big competitions and everything is still open. If someone had told us at the start of the season we’d be in this position, we would have taken it,” he said.
The Spaniard could be boosted by the return of key players, with England winger Bukayo Saka expected back after an Achilles injury, while Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori is also nearing fitness.
Attention will also be split as Arsenal prepare for a UEFA Champions League semi-final clash against Atletico Madrid next week, adding further pressure to an already demanding schedule.
With five games left in the league campaign, Arteta urged his players to remain focused and give everything in pursuit of the title.
“Everything you have, you have to put it on the table,” he said. “That’s what it will take.”