Mikel Arteta is an interesting character in the footballing world. A man heavily adored by some, while being heavily criticised by some as well. Mikel Arteta celebrated his six-year anniversary with Arsenal through a win against Everton last week. In these six years, the Premier League has witnessed clear progress from Arsenal. And Mikel Arteta has been at the helm, orchestrating that progress. As six years have gone by, the media and fans wonder about Arteta’s future in North London, as his contract ends in 2027.
Mikel Arteta’s career at Arsenal
Arsenal is a prestigious footballing institution. One of the most well-known institutions around the world as well. Despite zero European success in their history, their domestic success is commendable. Their most successful manager, Arsene Wenger, brought great glory to the North London club. With multiple league titles and a great sense of pride amongst the fans. During the backend of Wenger’s career, and after Wenger’s departure, Arsenal struggled in the league. The Gunners rarely made it to Europe and stagnated into a mid-table club. That is when Mikel Arteta took over six years ago.
Arteta’s first few seasons with Arsenal weren’t necessarily successful. They were still circling around the mid-table positions in the league. The signings weren’t good enough, and it was a frustrating period. However, three years ago, everything changed. Arsenal put up a great fight in the league, challenging for the title in the 2022/23 season. That season created an unprecedented belief at the club, and Arsenal have continued to challenge for the title in every single season since then. Despite challenging for the title, they have failed to go all the way and win the league for three consecutive seasons now. This has diminished Arteta’s reputation as a manager. Furthermore, they haven’t won any major trophies in this period as well.
Arteta this season
Just like the previous three seasons, Arsenal look like strong title contenders this season as well. They sit atop the Premier League table. However, they won’t be sitting too comfortably with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City breathing down their neck in second place. Furthermore, Arsenal are also top of the Champions League table. This further adds to how good a season Mikel Arteta is having in North London. Not to forget, the kind of defensive system Arteta has established at the club as well. With world-class defenders, the Spaniard has made Arsenal’s defense an impenetrable wall in the League. Arteta has also built an extremely capable bench, creating options aplenty for him to make use of in crucial match situations.
Arteta’s future
When asked whether he will stay at the club after his contract expires, Arteta said, “Yes, but it is about today and a lot of things have to happen in the next few months, as well, to earn the right. I think the manager has to earn the right to be here tomorrow. That is how you react, how you talk here, how you go in the dressing room, the message that you send, how much the players follow you.”
It is very clear what Arteta is trying to say here. He clearly knows that, despite the progress he has brought to the club, he hasn’t brought trophies to the club in the same way. In his six years at the club, Arteta has won only one major trophy, which was the FA Cup back in 2019.
Conclusion
2027 might look far away, but these 18 months could move in a flash. As Arteta approaches the back-end of his contract time period, it is extremely crucial that he brings trophies to the club. It is time for his progress to materialise and the only way to do that is by winning major trophies.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
