🎥 Mikel Arteta celebrates five years at Arsenal today ♥
Mikel Arteta celebrates his five-year anniversary as Arsenal manager today, and it's safe to say he's had a pretty successful half decade in charge of the Gunners.
Having dispensed of the services of Unai Emery in a winter of serious discontent in 2019, and somewhat steadied under the stewardship of Freddie Ljungberg, the North London club turned to another former player to take over on a full-time basis.
Arteta had been their first-choice to replace Arsene Wenger 18 months prior, but decided to remain as Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City.
He couldn't resist when the opportunity arose for a second time, and returned to the Emirates, this time in the managerial dugout.
There's only been one trophy in the five years since - an FA Cup success in his very first season - but no one could dispute the impact he's had on the club, bringing them from also rans to title challengers, and away from a very lengthy "banter era".
Commitment. Accountability. Passion.
Five incredible years of Mikel Arteta - here's to many more memorable moments ❤️ pic.twitter.com/0nSzavPTsZ— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 20, 2024
Arteta will be looking to add more silverware this season, and is under pressure to do so given the money spent and expectations set by his own progress.
However, regardless of what happens in the coming moments, you would be hard pushed to find an Arsenal fan who is not hoping for at least another five more years of their super Spaniard.
📸 Shaun Botterill - 2023 Getty Images