ARTETA INSISTS ARSENAL STILL IN TITLE RACE DESPITE LOSING TOP SPOT

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Agency Report

Manager Mikel Arteta has maintained that Arsenal still believe they can win the Premier League title, despite slipping from first place following Manchester City’s recent surge.

City moved to the top of the table after a 1-0 victory over Burnley on Wednesday, leaving Arsenal level on points but behind on goals scored.

The Gunners now face a crucial test against Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, where a positive result could see them reclaim top spot.

Arsenal had been strong favourites to lift the title for the first time since 2004 after opening up a nine-point lead over City earlier in the season. However, recent defeats to Bournemouth and City have dented their advantage and handed control of the title race to Pep Guardiola’s side.

Despite the setback, Arteta expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to bounce back.

“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.

“The energy and belief are there. Five games to go — we have to give everything.”

Arsenal’s hopes could be boosted by the return of key players, with England winger Bukayo Saka set to return from an Achilles injury, while Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori is also expected back after a brief absence.

Meanwhile, Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, appear to be hitting form at a crucial stage of the campaign, having climbed to the summit for the first time since August 2025.

Arsenal, who also have a UEFA Champions League semi-final clash against Atletico Madrid on the horizon, will be aiming to rediscover momentum quickly as the title race enters its decisive phase.

With five matches remaining, Arteta emphasised that his team must give everything to keep their title hopes alive.

“Everything you have, you have to put it on the table, and you have to make it happen,” he said.