At a Glance:
Arsenal will face Burnley in the 37th of their 38 Premier League games.
Mikel Arteta issues squad mentality update, which fans will want to hear
Returning players could make all the difference in Arsenal winning the league or not
Arsenal will face Burnley on Monday in what could end up being a crucial match in deciding whether the Premier League title will make its way back to North London for the first time in 20 years.
While Arsenal’s opponents are already confined to being relegated to the Championship, it is important that Mikel Arteta does not approach the game lightly, with the correct substitutions in-game potentially being a huge factor in whether Arsenal will win the game.
Burnley’s recent record in away games versus the traditional Big Six will perhaps scare the Gunners, too, so resilience and determination will be vital in ensuring that Arsenal can see off their Lancashire opponents.
Mikel Arteta has spoken on how his team feels at the moment ahead of the game, and how things are looking positive on the whole.
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Mikel Arteta says that his Arsenal players are in a ‘really good state’ at the moment
Administering a quick update before his side face Burnley at the start of next week, Mikel Arteta clarified that he thinks his side are in a good place given certain factors.
“The team is really present, it’s just living the moment, it’s emotionally in a really good state, I think, it’s the right one. We have most players available now. OK, we lost Ben White the other day, but the other ones are coming back as well. Everybody is so enthusiastic and so positive about the way that we can finish the season.”
Arteta made note of returning players as a positive factor of recent weeks, and it could be that one of these returning stars makes the difference against Burnley, or on the final matchday against Crystal Palace.
🗣️Mikel Arteta on the focus of his #Arsenal squad at the moment: “The team is really present, it’s just living the moment, it’s emotionally in a really good state, I think, it’s the right one. We have most players available now. OK, we lost Ben White the other day, but the other… pic.twitter.com/tl3UvjS3ps
— Arsenal News Channel (@Arsenalnewschan) May 16, 2026
Three players could be crucial for Arsenal ahead of final two Premier League games
Although only one is likely to be available for the Gunners match against Burnley, Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber have all been vital players for Arsenal throughout their time at the club.
Calafiori was substituted off against West Ham having picked up a knock, and is doubtful to return against Burnley—but given the point in the season that Arsenal find theirselves in, the Italian defender may be rushed back into the squad.
Mikel Merino has been out since January, but could be used as extra legs if he able to make it back to full fitness before the end of the domestic campaign.
Jurrien Timber, on the other hand, may not make his return in time for either of Arsenal’s final league games, but Mikel Arteta has stated he wants Timber back soon, which might mean the right-back is ready to at least be in the bench versus Crystal Palace.