Explained: Arsenal patience paid off.

On 20th December 2019 Mikel Arteta, was appointed Head Coach at Former club Arsenal on a deal that would keep him at the club until 2023.Mikel left his assistant coach role at Manchester City, where he worked for three years under Pep Guardiola. 

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal first match for Arsenal as the Head Coach ended on a draw against Bournemouth. On his appointment Mikel recognized that his former club had lost direction and was dedicated to bring back glory days at Emirates.

On his first season with the club Mikel won the FA cup against their London Rivals Chelsea. This win helped the Gunners to set up a meeting with Premier league champions Liverpool for the community shield, where the Gunners won on penalties. The community shield win didn’t give the Gunners the extra push, as they finished 8th on the premier league log.

Doubts and uncertainty started arising on Mikel’s Arteta credibility to lead the club back to it’s glory days. The following season was even worse as Arsenal lost their first 3 games, and sat at the bottom of the log with zero points and zero goals scored.

The fans called for Mikel sacking, but the board gave them a deaf ear as they had total believe on him to deliver.The following month the Gunners won all their league matches, while Mikel also won the manager of the month award for the first time in his managerial career.

Last season will go to the books as Arsenal best season in recent years. With very young squad and playing the best attacking football the Gunners couldn’t match Pep’s Manchester city for the league title.

Under Mikel’s Arteta Arsenal have transformed to one of the best teams in Europe. Home grown talents like Bukayo Saka and Smith Rowe breaking into first team and being best performers.

Edu and Mikel also doing smart cheap bargain. Brought in Martinieli from Brazil and transforming him to premier league super star. Mikel Arteta playing style is similar to that of his mentor Pep Guardiola, keeping possession while hurting your opponent. High press and more transition with and without the Ball.

Mikel Arteta playing style is a joy to watch. It’s even attracted the best players this summer to strengthen his project. With the signing of Champions League winner Attacking midfielder, Kai Havertz, from Chelsea Arsenal will be a force to reckon in Europe. Adding players like Declan Rice and Jullien Timber to this Arsenal it will be awesome to watch them play.

After 5yrs absence, Arsenal are Back to Champions League football. Patience have been the key to this Arsenal project. Right investment and great management by Mikel, is clear in this Arsenal project.

As the next season starts Arsenal fans will have high hopes on their team. With the high quality players addition to the team, Mikel’s Arteta team will deliver much greater success to their fans.