Arsenal Football Club head coach Mikel Arteta has declared that, with his side reaching the decisive stage of the two remaining competitions—the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League—it is either they win or lose everything, news.ng reports.
Arteta made this known while speaking to journalists on Friday ahead of their league clash with Newcastle United on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium.
You may recall that for weeks and months, Arsenal had been occupying the number one spot in the league before they were overtaken by rivals Manchester City on Wednesday following their 1-0 victory over Burnley.
He said, “Everything to win. When we are in the position that we are playing the two biggest competitions that we’ve had this season, the position that we are in, I think it’s a simple answer.”
Responding to the current stage of the league and their position, he said, “Every game will be different. We’ll focus on the priorities and the things that we can do to help the players arrive in the best state possible with the team, and make sure that we have all the players available, which is one of the most important things and a big lesson that we learn from it. Give them confidence, trust and belief that we’re going to do it.”
Speaking on the final five games in the Premier League, he admitted that these matches will be more about mentality than tactics.
“It’s a reality and in the context of the two teams and where we are at the table and the amount of games that are left, I think it was the right way for me to express it and that’s the way I feel and tomorrow is game one,” he said.
Giving updates on the fitness level of Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori, the Gunners boss disclosed that the players are in contention to feature against Newcastle on Saturday.
“Bukayo Saka probably is going to be in the squad, so good news.
“We have given him some time because there was a moment that he was struggling to sustain the performances because he wasn’t comfortable at all and we’ve done that so he had the right treatment, the right space.
“He had some time as well for himself and now it’s the most important part of the season and he’s back with us.”
“Calafiori is probably be in the squad as well. Jurrien not in the squad,” he said.
Arsenal will face a herculean task against a strong Newcastle side, who have also been performing well in recent outings.
Arsenal will aim to regain the Premier League top spot, while Newcastle will look to put up a solid performance and hopefully secure a favourable result after the final whistle.