Today marks four years since Mikel Arteta was appointed as Arsenal manager.
It has been a rollercoaster four years at Arsenal with Mikel Arteta at the helm.
The former central midfielder, who captained the north London club in his playing days, became Arsenal manager on 20th December 2019, replacing Unai Emery in the dugout at the Emirates Stadium.
Things started well for the Spanish coach in north London, who was getting to grips with his first ever managerial role, having previously been an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
At the end of his first half-season in charge, the Gunners lifted the FA Cup. After that triumph, though, things got tougher. Arteta led Arsenal to an eighth-place finish in the Premier League in his first full campaign in charge.
During this time he came under plenty of pressure. However, the Arsenal hierarchy stuck by him, believing in the manager’s long-term vision. Sporting director Edu has since spoken out publicly about the reasoning behind the decision not to sack Arteta during this period.
Arsenal are now reaping the rewards for keeping faith in Arteta. He has overhauled the squad, developed Hale End academy talents such as Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, and Eddie Nketiah, and he has taken the club back into the Champions League after an extended absence.
Most impressively of all, though, Arteta has made Arsenal genuine Premier League title contenders again. The Gunners came close to clinching the title last season, and now find themselves at the top of the table once again with Christmas just days away. The 41-year-old will believe that his side can go all the way this time around. If Arsenal pull it off then Arteta will become the youngest title-winning manager in Premier League history.
Arsenal fans reflect on Mikel Arteta era
Looking back over his four years in charge so far, plenty of Arsenal fans have taken to X to share their thoughts on the boss. One supporter said, “from a rookie manager to leading us on an extraordinary journey in just 4 years – his impact is truly remarkable. A testament to passion and dedication!”
Another fan said Arteta “brought sanity to the dressing room.” One supporter noted the “many special memories in this 4 years,” whilst yet another admitted that they “almost teared up” whilst reminiscing about his reign so far.
One fan said, “we were in a rut but his vision and determination has put us in a great place not just now but for the future with this squad.”
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
