Arsenal F.C. Manager, Mikel Arteta has completed one of the biggest transformations in modern English football by guiding the North London club back to the summit of the Premier League after more than two decades of waiting.
For years, Arsenal supporters watched their team fall behind rivals despite once dominating English football under legendary former manager Arsène Wenger. Since the famous “Invincibles” season in 2004, the Club struggled to regain the league title and often faced criticism for failing to compete consistently at the highest level.
Everything began to change in 2019 when Arsenal made the bold decision to appoint Arteta as head coach despite his lack of senior managerial experience. The Spaniard, who previously captained the Club during his playing career, arrived with a clear vision of rebuilding the team from the ground up.
Before taking the Arsenal job, Arteta spent several years working under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City F.C.. Many believed Guardiola’s influence would shape Arteta into a coach focused only on possession football and attacking flair.
Speaking previously about Guardiola, Arteta said: “As a player and as a coach, he’s been an inspiration for me, and he’s the person who decided to bet on me, to include me as a second coach.
“I’ll always be grateful to him, otherwise I wouldn’t be here.”
However, Arteta eventually created his own football identity at Arsenal instead of simply copying Guardiola’s methods. While his side can dominate possession, the team also became known for strong defending, discipline and deadly efficiency from set-pieces.
The Spanish Coach’s football education stretched beyond Guardiola. During his playing days, Arteta also spent time under experienced managers including David Moyes at Everton F.C.. Arteta has often credited Moyes for teaching him important lessons about leadership and team building.
“I learned from him on the field and off the field about building a team and getting the right characters in the team to build what you want,” Arteta said.
When he first arrived at Arsenal, Arteta reportedly outlined a long-term strategy aimed at restoring the Club’s reputation both in England and across Europe. He quickly began reshaping the dressing room by removing several senior players and introducing a stronger culture built around discipline, unity and commitment.
Some of the Club’s biggest names at the time, including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Özil, eventually left as Arteta pushed for a fresh direction.
The rebuilding process was far from smooth. Arsenal endured difficult campaigns in the early stages of Arteta’s reign, including back-to-back eighth-place finishes in the Premier League. The Club also missed out on Champions League qualification during one painful season collapse that drew heavy criticism from fans and pundits.
Even after Arsenal began challenging for the title again, many critics questioned whether Arteta could truly lead the team to glory. Consecutive second-place finishes only increased pressure on the Spaniard, with some accusing him of being too cautious tactically.
This season also presented fresh difficulties. Arsenal suffered several disappointing domestic defeats during March and April, crashing out of cup competitions and briefly losing momentum in the title race against Manchester City.
But unlike previous seasons, Arteta and his players responded strongly during the final stretch of the campaign. Arsenal regained consistency, picked up crucial victories and finally secured the Premier League crown, ending a 22-year wait for the trophy.
The success has completely changed how many football fans view Arteta’s project. Once criticized as inexperienced, he is now being praised for rebuilding one of England’s biggest clubs through patience, structure and belief.
Arsenal’s season could still become even more historic. The Club is preparing for the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain F.C. in Budapest on May 30, where they hope to win Europe’s biggest club competition for the first time.
Ahead of Arsenal’s final home match of the campaign, Arteta reflected on the Club’s journey and the emotional connection with supporters.
“Sometimes when it is harder at the beginning then it is better so to see that transformation and the joy in the people,” he said.
“It’s something that is beautiful to watch.”
After years of heartbreak and near misses, Arsenal’s long wait for Premier League glory is finally over, with Arteta now firmly established among the elite managers in world football.