William Saliba admits he’s worn out after a long season with Arsenal, but he’ll keep pushing until the campaign is over.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 11: William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Burnley FC at Emirates Stadium on November 11, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates with teammates after scoring the team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Burnley FC at Emirates Stadium on November 11, 2023. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

There’s been a lot of talk in the last week or two about how Mikel Arteta has utilised his squad this season, and if there’s anyone with a right to complain, it’s William Saliba.

Saliba has played more minutes than anyone else in the Arsenal squad, as the only player to pass the 4,000-mark so far.

The centre-back has made 45 appearances in all competitions, playing in every Premier League and Champions League fixture. It was no surprise when he admitted at the weekend that he’s feeling drained.

PORTO, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 21: William Saliba, Declan Rice and Kai Havertz of Arsenal applaud their fans after during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between FC Porto and Arsenal FC at Estadio do Dragao on February 21, 2024 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
PORTO, PORTUGAL: William Saliba, Declan Rice and Kai Havertz of Arsenal applaud their fans after during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between FC Porto and Arsenal FC at Estadio do Dragao on February 21, 2024. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“I’m a little bit tired, but now we have to play with our head as well,” Saliba said. “We have to push in our last five games and will rest after.

“Of course the schedule is brutal yes, but that is football you don’t have a choice. You have to play, it’s a high level but that’s it.

“I need a bath and massage! We do our best, but it’s more mentally I think because our legs are tired but that’s okay, it’s football. We have to play with our head and that’s it.

“Of course we have some good experience from last season and this one as well. It can be up and down quickly so we are well prepared. That’s why it’s more mental. We have to push and give everything we have.”

LONDON, ENGLAND: William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Burnley FC at Emirates Stadium on November 11, 2023. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Burnley FC at Emirates Stadium on November 11, 2023. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Though the title is currently not in Arsenal’s hands, Saliba is right that the Gunners have to give everything to win their final five games and then see where they are.

If they win all five and still don’t lift the trophy, no one can claim the team didn’t at least give a good account of themselves in the second half of the season.

As it stands, Arteta’s side have won 11 of their 13 Premier League matches in 2024, another five wins would make it 16 in 18. It would be unreasonable to expect any more than that.

If nothing else, Arsenal have the power to ensure the title race goes to the very final game, and they have to try and make that happen.