Mikel Arteta has yet to lead Arsenal to the Premier League title
Mikel Arteta has done a terrific job as Arsenal manager.
But, as he prepares to take charge of his 200th Premier League game this weekend, what happens next will decide how his reign is remembered. It could become something extraordinary if Arteta delivers a Premier League title or even goes on to win the Champions League trophy.
But Arteta is also in danger of spoiling the foundations he has laid during his five years in charge at the Emirates because this season could end up being a backwards step. They are fine margins. But the best managers cope with those pressures. I would argue that Anfield '89 would never have happened for George Graham’s Arsenal unless they had won the Littlewoods Cup semi final against Tottenham and lifted that trophy. Arsene Wenger's win at Manchester United turned the title race in Arsenal’s favour in the 1998 run-in as the Frenchman won the Double.
It is all about trophies and Arteta only has one FA Cup on his managerial CV and that is not enough - despite turning Arsenal from also-rans into genuine title contenders and mainstays in the Champions League.
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Arteta took over in December 2019 when Arsenal were in a bad place and, after two and a half years, built a team which challenged for the title in 2022/23. They went close again in 2023/24.
Arsenal were making strides, getting back to where the fans think they belong and Arteta allowed them to dream again with a good brand of football and two unexpected title challenges.
So, it was no wonder when this season came along that quite a few pundits backed them to go one step further and depose Manchester City as champions. It has not gone to plan for various reasons. They have messed up two transfer windows, last summer they signed Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino for a combined £75m when everyone could see they were crying out for a striker.
Arsenal were left horribly short and, after not buying in January, they now find themselves without a recognised centre forward. Who needs one when you put seven past PSV Eindhoven? Arsenal still do.
They did not want to buy in January and disrupt their summer plans. That, said in a different way, could sound remarkably arrogant. Taking it for granted they will win the title next season so this campaign goes on the back burner. The fans don’t get an end-of-season refund.
Mikel Arteta has enjoyed an excellent spell with Arsenal ( Image: Getty Images)
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Arsenal do have big plans this summer for a new No.9, left winger, midfielder and young players. They will also have departures. And next season - on the back of a busy transfer window - will decide Arteta’s destiny and how he will be remembered.
This season has produced some pretty turgid football. It’s too much about control, not enough about excitement and spontaneity. Their best hope has been set pieces. Yes, they have had injuries. But why are people so naive to call it bad luck?
There’s no luck involved when the manager opted for a smaller squad, he pushes the players hard, never gives them a break and would rather take them to Dubai than give them a few days at home with families. No wonder fatigued players pull hamstrings. Liverpool boss Arne Slot has shown the rest of the Premier League how to rotate and listen to medical staff. That’s why they are so far ahead in every sense.
Since World War II, Arsenal have never gone this long without winning the title. It will be 21 years this summer. Arteta should get next season because he has done well enough to convince everyone that he can - and has - brought the good times back.
But it’s next season or bust for Arteta. He has been a victim of his own success. His standards have gone up - and Arsenal need to deliver the biggest trophies.
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