Mikel Arteta has called Arsenal’s game against Newcastle United the start of a “new season” after a fortnight in which their nine-point lead over Manchester City evaporated.

The two title contenders are both locked on 70 points and the same goal difference, with City top courtesy of scoring three more goals.

Arsenal surrendered control of the race by losing at the Etihad last Sunday. While City’s victory made them bookmakers’ favourites to win the title, there were perhaps reasons for optimism.

The presence of Eberechi Eze, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz in the same line-up helped Arsenal produce possibly their best performance of 2026, and they were the width of a post away from getting a result.

Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori returning to the squad today strengthens them further, and fixtures against Newcastle, Fulham, West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace look like a favourable run-in.

Much depends on whether they can mentally recover from butchering so many opportunities to put Manchester City to bed throughout the season, notably in January when Pep Guardiola’s team was floundering.

They look to have caught Newcastle at a good time, with Eddie Howe’s team losing four of their past six league games. There is widespread uncertainty about the future of Howe and some key players, as well as the intentions of their Saudi owners amid ongoing instability in the Gulf.

“We’ve lost a little bit of confidence, I think that was clear against Bournemouth on Saturday. With the recent results we’ve had and just the way things have fallen against us, players aren’t playing to their maximum level. You can see that,” said Howe.

“We’ve got some ‌very, very good players in ⁠the squad that are underperforming and you can’t put a figure on how confidence can damage the individuals.

“My job this week has been to support the players, to help the players, hopefully deliver some good work for them, then try and help them ⁠figure out how we can get back – individually and collectively – to our best levels.”

One of the players who could move on is Anthony Gordon, but he missed today’s game owing to injury. Newcastle should have Bruno Guimarães back in their engine room, but Joelinton is suspended.

Arsenal won the return fixture at St James’ Park in dramatic circumstances, with late Mikel Merino and Gabriel headers pulling what could be a pivotal win out of the fire.

Full team news on the way shortly.