William Saliba sends Arsenal squad Premier League title rallying cry after Man City defeat

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Arsenal defender William Saliba has warned Manchester City that the Premier League title race is far from over

William Saliba has told his Arsenal team-mates that they must be prepared to "die on the pitch" during the Premier League title run-in.

The Frenchman, who has grown tired of finishing in second place, is looking to restore the focus ahead of this weekend's home clash with Newcastle.

Saliba told Arsenal's website: "I think we need to be calm. We need to die on the pitch as well, because it's now. Now we have to go, and we need everyone: the supporters, the team, the staff, everyone, because we have to do it now. After that, it's too late.

"When the season is finished, it's too late; you have to start the next season. It's now. You have to give everything and die on the pitch.

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"Last game we wanted to win, and we didn't. But it's not finished. Now we know what we have coming, and we know what we have to do if we want to win the league. We have to start on Saturday.

"We have good pressure with us because when you play football, you want to play these kinds of games. We're ready for that."

Arsenal have won just one of their past six matches in all competitions and have not tasted victory in the Premier League since mid-March when they ran out 2-0 victors over Everton.

Despite dropping to second in midweek following City's narrow 1-0 win at Burnley, Saliba notes there is still so much football to be played.

He is not afraid to admit the club's Premier League title charge sometimes keeps him up at night.

He added: "When you're close to achieving your dreams, sometimes when you sleep, you think about that. We have the Champions League, Premier League, so of course you cannot think about something else.

"We haven't won the Premier League since 2004. It's been a while. It means a lot for us and for me personally. I've been here for four years and I've always finished second. If we change that this season, it will be a massive success for us and for me. I'm sure we will do that."

Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori are primed to return against Newcastle following recent injury issues.

Mikel Arteta confirmed during Friday's press conference that the pair are in contention, though right-back Jurrien Timber remains sidelined due to a groin problem.

Arsenal can move back to the top of the pile with just a single point as City are in FA Cup semi-final action this weekend versus Southampton.