The Arsenal boss still has fond memories of his time in Govan
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta may have two English Premier League titles and four FA Cups to his name - but he still claims one of the ‘best moments’ in his career was scoring a decisive penalty for Rangers against Dunfermline Athletic in 2003, to secure them a dramatic league victory on the final day.
The Spaniard signed from Barcelona for £6m in 2022 and quickly established himself as a regular in the first team. In his first season, Rangers’ title race with Celtic went down to the wire as both clubs went into the final match on the same points and goal difference. The Hoops held up their end of the bargain, winning 4-0 at Rugby Park against Kilmarnock, however a late Arteta penalty ensured Rangers beat Dunfermline 6-1 to win the league by a single goal.
After two years in Govan, the midfielder moved to Real Sociedad and but would later return to the UK, featuring for Everton and Arsenal respectively. After hanging up his boots at the Emirates in 2016, he would then work under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, where he helped them to two Premier League titles.
In his first permanent managerial role, Arteta was appointed Gunners boss in 2019 and has since steered them to FA Cup glory, adding to the two he won as a player there. The 44-year old is now on the hunt for Arsenal’s first Premier League trophy in over two decades and is neck and neck with his old mentor, as a late Manchester City resurgence in form has set up an exciting finale.
Rangers star reflects on career-best Ibrox moment
From his time Ibrox, the Arsenal boss is no stranger to title races going down to the bitter end - something which could easily happen south of the border this season. Arteta also scored on his Old Firm debut against Celtic while at Rangers, but claims the ‘manner’ of the title-winning penalty makes it a particular highlight.
He told Sky Sports: “It was one of the best moments in my career. I mean, with the rivalry that is as well in that league within the two clubs. So we were nine months fighting with each other, equal points, equal goal difference and for a 96th-minute penalty to be taken, to win it in that manner is just something that I will remember for the rest of my life.”
The goal was the cause of a famous line from former Celtic striker, who claimed after the game that he knew Dunfermline would ‘lie down’ to the hosts. No Scottish top-flight title since then has been decided on goal difference.
Other instances of the league being won on the final day
Rangers have won two subsequent titles on the final day since Arteta’s heroics, however both were decided on points rather than goal difference. This includes the famous ‘Helicopter Sunday’ incident in 2005, where Celtic went to Motherwell with a two point cushion over Rangers, who faced Hibs away. As Sutton put the Hoops a goal up, the helicopter with the trophy started to head to Fir Park, however a shock, late Scott McDonald brace swung the title in Rangers’ favour, as they won 1-0 at Easter Road through Nacho Novo.
Hearts were the victim of losing a title on goal difference in 1986 when they only needed a point away to Dundee to secure the First Division, however a late Albert Kidd brace won the match for the hosts. Meanwhile, Celtic defeated St Mirren 5-0 at Love Street to win the league by three goals. It’s the closest the Jambos have come to league glory since 1960.
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