Mikel Arteta has insisted that Arsenal remain fully convinced they can still win the Premier League title, even after surrendering top spot to Manchester City in the closing stages of the season.
Pep Guardiola’s side moved ahead for the first time since August 2025 after a narrow 1–0 victory over Burnley on Wednesday, leaving both teams level on points but City ahead on goals scored. Arsenal now have the chance to reclaim first place if they avoid defeat against Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
The Gunners had been firm title favourites less than two weeks ago after opening up a nine-point lead over City. However, back-to-back damaging defeats against Bournemouth and City have handed control of the race back to their rivals. It marks another painful twist for Arsenal, who also lost late momentum in the 2023 and 2024 title races as City went on to win both.
Despite recent setbacks Arsenal have managed just one win in their last six matches in all competitions Arteta remains defiant.
“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 told reporters on Friday.
“The energy raised and the belief raised. The clarity in what we have to do it cannot be better. Five games to go. Tomorrow game one, all in, let’s go for it. Two big competitions to play for and everything to play for. If somebody had told us at the beginning of the season we would have taken it. We are so excited.”
Arsenal will also be boosted by the expected return of Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori. Saka has missed the last five games with an Achilles issue, while Calafiori has been sidelined for three matches due to injury.
Meanwhile, City’s surge to the summit has come at a crucial point in the season, with Guardiola’s team also set for FA Cup semi-final action against Southampton on Saturday.
Arsenal, however, will play twice in the league before City return to Premier League duty, offering them a narrow window to regain control of the title race.
Looking back on his own experience of tight finishes, Arteta referenced a past title win decided on goal difference.
“I took the penalty, and we won the league by one goal difference. It doesn’t get better than that. One of the best feelings I had in my career. When you win it, it is even more special,” he said.
“We are just talking about a lot of possibilities. Those five games start tomorrow. Everything you have, you have to put it on the table, and you have to make it happen.”
Elijah Adeyemi
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