FOOTBALL
Posted on February 10, 2026 6:45 pm | Updated on February 10, 2026 1:36 pm
Arsenal Football Club has not won a major trophy like the Premier League or Champions League since Mikel Arteta became manager in December 2019. He did lift the FA Cup in 2020, but since then, the team has gone without big silverware. Some fans and critics wonder if the club should have replaced him.
Building a Strong Team Foundation
When Mikel Arteta took over, Arsenal was in a tough spot. They finished eighth in the league that season, far from the top teams. Arteta focused on fixing the basics. He brought in discipline, better defense, and a clear way of playing. By 2023, Arsenal challenged for the title but finished second to Manchester City. In recent years, the team has kept getting better, with consistent wins and high win rates.
For example, as of January 2026, Arteta has 200 wins in 326 games as manager, with a 61.4% win rate—the best in Arsenal’s history. This shows real progress, even without trophies. The club owners saw this and gave him time to build, unlike some teams that change managers quickly.
Developing Young Players
Arteta has been great at spotting and growing young talent. Players like Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, and Gabriel Martinelli have become stars under him. He gives them chances to play, which helps the team save money on big transfers. Instead of buying ready-made stars, Arsenal mixes youth with smart signings like Declan Rice and Kai Havertz.
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This approach builds a team for the future. Fans love seeing homegrown players succeed, and it creates a strong bond with the club. Arteta’s trust in youth has made Arsenal exciting to watch, with fast, attacking football. Without trophies yet, this development keeps hope alive for long-term wins.
Improving Performance and Mentality
Arsenal’s results have improved year by year. They now compete in the Champions League regularly and beat top teams often. In the 2025-26 season, they had a 10-game winning streak, including wins in Europe. Arteta has changed the team’s mindset from losers to fighters. They don’t give up in tough games and play with confidence.
Critics point to the lack of trophies, but progress in performance levels, squad balance, and mentality is clear. Arsenal is closer to winning now than in years. This steady growth is why patience pays off, as seen with other managers like Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, who took time to win big.
A Long-Term Vision
Arteta has a clear plan for Arsenal. He wants to win, but in a sustainable way. The club backs him with transfers and facilities. Rushing for quick trophies can lead to mistakes, like spending too much without a plan. Arteta’s vision includes modern tactics, data, and player care.
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Fans support this. Many say Arteta is “cooking” and will win the league soon. One fan even met him and encouraged him to keep going. This belief shows the club made the right call by not panicking during hard times.
Fan and Club Support
Arsenal fans have mostly stayed behind Arteta. They see the bigger picture: a team rebuilding after years of struggle. The owners, like the Kroenke family, trust him too. This stability helps players focus on the pitch. Without support, managers fail. But with it, like Arteta has, teams can achieve great things. As one observer noted, Arsenal’s pre-season planning has put them on the brink of multiple trophies this season. Trophies may come soon because of this patience.
In conclusion, Arsenal was right to keep Mikel Arteta. His work has transformed the club from mid-table to title challengers. While trophies are the goal, building properly takes time. With continued support, Arteta could end the drought and bring glory back to Arsenal. The future looks bright.
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