Mikel Arteta was again striking a positive tone as Arsenal attempt to get their season back on track against Newcastle tomorrow.
The Gunners have lost their last four games in domestic competition, exiting the FA Cup to Championship high-flyers Southampton and relinquishing top spot in the Premier League to Manchester City.
City’s 1-0 win at Burnley in midweek saw them climb to the summit but they don’t play in the league this weekend, enabling Arsenal to establish a three-point lead with victory over the struggling Tynesiders.
Arteta, whose side take on Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday night, said: ”The energy [is] raised and the belief [is] raised. The clarity in what we have to do… it cannot be better. Five [league] games to go. Tomorrow game one – all in – let’s go for it.
“Four weeks, 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.”
The energy has been so good, says Arsenal boss Arteta
Arsenal played well at City last weekend but several missed opportunities saw them lose 2-1.
It was a much-improved performance, though, and Arteta says the feeling within the camp is good.
He added: ”Every game we do something different to inspire them and guide them.
“This week we didn’t have to do much. The energy has been so good, and the weather helps as well. It is so clear what is at stake.
“Win tomorrow, game one win and then we’ll be much closer. I have belief in our players and our people and the willingness in what we want to achieve. You have to put everything into it. Those five games start tomorrow. Everything you have, you have to put it on the table, and you have to make it happen.”
Arsenal winger Saka set to return
Arsenal will be boosted by the return to the squad of England winger Bukayo Saka. Saka has not played since the EFL Cup final due to an Achilles injury but is likely to be on the bench against a Newcastle side that have lost their last four in all competitions.
Riccardo Calafiori will also be back but Jurrien Timber is not yet fit.
