Mikel Arteta has been named the Premier League Manager of the Season after guiding Arsenal to their first league title in 22 years.
The Spaniard claimed the award for the first time in his managerial career after finally leading Arsenal beyond the near misses that had seen them finish second in each of the previous three campaigns.
Arteta beat competition from Pep Guardiola, Andoni Iraola, Keith Andrews, Regis Le Bris and Michael Carrick to secure the honour.
It marks another major milestone in Arsenal’s remarkable resurgence under Arteta, who took charge of the club in December 2019 during one of the lowest periods of the Premier League era at the Emirates Stadium.
After years of rebuilding, Arsenal finally ended their long wait for the title by sealing top spot ahead of Manchester City with a game to spare.
Arteta also became the first Arsenal manager since Arsene Wenger to win the award after the Frenchman collected it during each of his own title-winning campaigns.
The 44-year-old is also now the first manager to win the Premier League with a club he previously represented as a player.
Arteta spent five years at Arsenal during his playing career before eventually returning as head coach to oversee the club’s transformation back into champions.
Arsenal’s title success was built on one of the strongest defensive records in Europe.
The Gunners finished the campaign with 19 clean sheets and conceded just 27 league goals, both of which were the best totals in the division.
They also scored 71 goals during the campaign, with only Manchester City finding the net more often.
Arteta reflected emotionally on the achievement after lifting the Premier League trophy at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
“The fans have been waiting for this for so long,” he said. “We have had some difficult moments along the way but all of them are worth it when you see that kind of reaction.”
“We showed an incredible connection, an incredible commitment and incredible courage as well.”
“There are doubts and the understanding that maybe you are not the right person. But thanks to God that we have done it.”
Arteta and Arsenal now have the opportunity to complete a historic double when they face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final later this week.
The north London side are aiming to win Europe’s biggest prize for the first time in the club’s history after already ending their long Premier League drought under Arteta this season.