Mikel Arteta
Arsenal were a shadow of their former selves before Mikel Arteta walked through the door.
The Spaniard repaired the club from the ground up, transforming them from one of the laughing stocks of England to one of the most formidable sides capable of going toe-to-toe against the very best sides in all of Europe.
Of course, there is a long way to go before Arteta's name can be mentioned in the same breath as Arsenal’s greatest, let alone the Premier League’s elite. But the signs so far are hard to ignore.
Fittingly, the Gunners boss was once asked who, in his opinion, was the greatest manager in Premier League history, and he offered a shortlist of three particular names held in high regard by many.
Arsenal's Mikel Arteta in action vs Everton
Sir Alex Ferguson
Manchester United
No discussion about Premier League managerial legends is complete without mentioning Red Devils' tactician Sir Alex Ferguson. Some regard him as the best manager outright in history, and it's difficult to argue against his remarkable career record.
Ferguson led Manchester United to an astonishing 13 league titles and two Champions Leagues amid countless other pieces of silverware. He built a fortress at Old Trafford, establishing a dynasty that lasted decades.
It’s easy to forget just how far the club had fallen before Ferguson's arrival in 1986. His early years were far from smooth, and he famously came close to being sacked in just his second season. That rocky start mirrors the early struggles of Arteta at Arsenal, and it’s no surprise the Spaniard draws inspiration from the Scotsman’s perseverance and long-term vision.
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Alex Ferguson Premier League Managerial Record
Matches
Wins
Draws
Losses
Win rate
Premier League titles
Arsene Wenger
Arsenal
The Invincibles' leader himself, Arsene Wenger is a figure whose impact on Arsenal and English football was immeasurable. The Frenchman arrived in 1996 as a relative unknown, but it did not take long for him to revolutionise the club and, indeed, the league as well.
Wenger introduced new training methods, dietary regimes, and a scintillating brand of attacking football that captivated fans. Ultimately, it led to Arsenal's crowning achievement - an entire season unbeaten and the only golden Premier League trophy ever in existence.
For Arteta, who played under Wenger, the ex-Monaco manager's ability to cultivate a distinct club philosophy undoubtedly serves as a blueprint for his project at Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola left an indelible mark on Premier League history by building one of the most successful teams in the competition's history at Manchester City. This dominant side went on to achieve incredible feats, including four Premier League titles in a row and a continental treble.
Even beyond the trophies, Guardiola's perfectionism and ability to constantly evolve his tactical set-up truly set him apart from the other elite managers. He effectively reshaped English football with his philosophies and raised the standards of what it meant to be the best team in the country.
Arteta saw first-hand what kind of footballing juggernaut Guardiola was building at the Etihad during his spell as the assistant manager at Manchester City. Many have noticed he has taken some inspiration from his former higher-up in his own style of play instilled in North London too.