Arteta demands leadership and ownership ahead of Newcastle United clash
Mikel Arteta has sounded the call for all players to demonstrate leadership as Arsenal approaches the final stretch of the title race.
Arsenal faces a daunting task against Newcastle United this Saturday, April 25, 2026, with the stakes raised significantly higher. After seeing their nine-point lead cut to just three, the Gunners have since relinquished the top spot after Manchester City beat Burnley to ascend to the summit.
Gunning for first title since 2004
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Arteta, who hopes to lead Arsenal to their first English title since 2004, insists that with the team walking a tightrope, where any more dropped points will impact their chances—all players must rise to the occasion and lead.
“It is important to feel confidence and trust the clarity of what we want to deliver on the pitch, but now is the chance for us to show ownership. We need to get on that pitch and get the job done,” he said in an interview with Sky Sports
“We have a lot of leaders, and they are very influential, and also young ones who have shown the personality and ability to rise to the occasion,” he added.
His remarks come after he maintained that the title race remains open despite a crushing loss to Man City a couple of weeks ago, which sealed Arsenal’s fourth successive defeat in domestic competitions.
“Obviously, the players were very disappointed not to get a result from the game in the manner that it happened. That’s the feeling. They said, ‘Okay, we lost an opportunity today, but we have the biggest one now in the next five games, so let’s do it,’” he said then.
Saka returns
The Gunners have a timely injury boost ahead of the clash with Bukayo Saka, the team’s vice captain among the new returnees ahead of the clash.
Speaking on Friday, April 24, 2026, the Spaniard confirmed that Saka, alongside Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori, had all returned to training, with the Dutchman being the only one yet to return to the team squad.
The match kicks off at 7:30 pm.
