Mikel Arteta has insisted Arsenal remain convinced they can win the Premier League title despite slipping behind Manchester City in the race.
NOP NIGERIA reports that City moved to the summit with a 1-0 win over Burnley on Wednesday, leaving the Gunners level on points but trailing on goals scored. Arsenal can reclaim top spot if they avoid defeat against Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Less than a fortnight ago, Arsenal were strong favourites to end their long wait for the title after opening a nine-point lead. Defeats to AFC Bournemouth and City have since shifted control of the race.
The north London side have seen promising title bids unravel in recent seasons, but Arteta says belief remains high following last weekend’s 2-1 loss at City.
“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’s push could be strengthened by the return of Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori from injury. The Gunners then travel to face Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League next week.
City, led by Pep Guardiola, appear to be peaking at the right moment and face Southampton in the FA Cup semi-finals this weekend. Arsenal will play twice in the league before City return to top-flight action.
Arteta drew on personal experience of a dramatic title finish from his playing days with Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.
“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,” Arteta 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.”
