1. Early Life and Youth Career
Mikel Arteta's early life and formative years in football were shaped in his native Basque Country, where he developed a deep passion for the sport and laid the groundwork for his future career. His journey through youth academies provided him with a strong technical foundation and valuable experiences alongside future football stars.
1.1. Childhood and Early Training
Born on March 26, 1982, in San Sebastián, Basque Country, Arteta began his football career at the local club Antiguoko. During this time, he befriended fellow midfielder Xabi Alonso, and the two frequently played together, often on the beaches and in the streets of San Sebastián, dreaming of one day playing side-by-side for their hometown club, Real Sociedad. At the age of 15, in July 1997, Arteta, along with Antiguoko teammates Jon Alvarez and Mikel Yanguas, went for a trial at Barcelona's renowned youth academy, La Masia. All three earned professional contracts, but the academy's strict dormitory lifestyle led to his Antiguoko teammates leaving shortly after arrival. It was at La Masia that Arteta became roommates and friends with future Barcelona legends Víctor Valdés and Andrés Iniesta. He also forged a friendship with the budding club legend Xavi Hernández and met the then-Barcelona captain and his future coaching mentor, Pep Guardiola, learning the methods of their head coach, Louis van Gaal.
1.2. FC Barcelona Youth Academy
During his time at La Masia, Arteta trained regularly with Louis van Gaal's first team, but his playing time was largely limited to appearances in the Segunda División B with Barcelona B. Following van Gaal's departure in May 2000, incoming coach Lorenzo Serra Ferrer brought in midfielders like Emmanuel Petit and Gerard López, further increasing competition in an already stacked midfield that included Guardiola, Luis Enrique, Phillip Cocu, Iván de la Peña, Xavi, and Andrés Iniesta. His La Masia teammate Jofre Mateu later reflected that Arteta's path to the Barcelona first team was blocked by the exceptional quality of players like Xavi and Iniesta. Coupled with administrative changes at La Masia during the 2000-01 season, Arteta and several teammates realized their futures lay elsewhere, leading to his eventual departure from Barcelona.
2. Playing Career
Mikel Arteta's professional playing career saw him establish himself as a highly skilled and influential midfielder across several top European leagues. His journey from promising youth player to seasoned professional was marked by significant achievements and a consistent presence in competitive environments.
2.1. Club Career
Arteta's club career spanned over a decade, taking him through France, Scotland, and England, where he became a key player for several teams.
2.1.1. Paris Saint-Germain
Midway through the 2000-01 season, Arteta was loaned to French club Paris Saint-Germain for 18 months. He joined a star-studded team managed by Luis Fernandez, featuring players such as Mauricio Pochettino, Gabriel Heinze, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Nicolas Anelka. He also played alongside Ronaldinho when the Brazilian arrived in Paris in the summer of 2001. Arteta made his senior debut on February 10, 2001, in the Coupe de France against Auxerre, playing the entire 90 minutes in a 4-0 loss. His French Division 1 debut followed on February 17, 2001, coming on as a substitute against rivals Marseille. During his time in Paris, Fernández primarily utilized Arteta as a playmaker. He played 11 games in his first season, scoring his first senior goal on May 12, 2001, against Lille. In his second season with PSG, he won the 2001 UEFA Intertoto Cup, though he was an unused substitute in both legs of the final against Brescia. In total, Arteta played 53 games for PSG, scoring five goals. Despite PSG's desire to make his loan permanent, Arteta returned to Barcelona after his loan spell.
2.1.2. Rangers
Arteta signed with Scottish club Rangers in March 2002 for 6.00 M GBP. He quickly established himself as a first-team regular and enjoyed a highly successful debut season in Glasgow. Highlights included scoring in his first Old Firm derby and converting a crucial penalty in the 93rd minute on the final day of the 2002-03 season against Dunfermline Athletic, which proved vital for goal difference and secured the league title for Rangers. This completed a domestic treble for Rangers, as they also won the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup. Arteta, however, missed the 2003 Scottish Cup final due to an injury sustained shortly before the match. He started his second season with Rangers strongly, scoring six goals in the first six games as the club qualified for the Champions League group stages. Although they did not advance from their group and ended the season without a trophy, Arteta later acknowledged that his two-season spell in Glasgow was crucial for his development as a player, stating that the physical nature of Scottish football helped him prepare for the demands of the Premier League.
2.1.3. Real Sociedad
In 2004, Arteta returned to Spain, joining his hometown club Real Sociedad for 5.20 M EUR. The move was intended to see him finally play alongside his childhood friend Xabi Alonso, but Alonso soon departed for Liverpool, leaving Arteta unable to establish himself as a regular starter. He made only three league starts in the half-season he spent back in San Sebastián, appearing in a total of 15 league matches.
2.1.4. Everton
Everton manager David Moyes signed Arteta in the January 2005 transfer window on a loan deal, with an option for a permanent transfer. He was brought in as a replacement for Danish midfielder Thomas Gravesen, who had moved to Real Madrid. Arteta played a vital role in helping Everton secure fourth place in the Premier League, which earned them a spot in the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds. However, they were controversially knocked out by Villarreal in the final qualifying round. Arteta scored his first Everton goal in a 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace in April 2005. His permanent transfer was completed in July 2005 for a fee of 2.00 M GBP, and he signed a five-year deal.
The 2005-06 season was highly successful for Arteta, as he received both the Everton Player of the Season and the Players' Player of the Season awards. His impressive form continued into the 2006-07 season, where he consistently delivered man-of-the-match performances, finishing with nine goals in 35 league games and retaining his Player of the Season award for the second consecutive year. He was also voted the Premier League's 'Midfielder of the Year' by Sky Sports viewers, ahead of PFA Players' Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo. Arteta's creativity was central to Everton's attacking play, and he finished the 2006-07 season with 12 league assists, ranking third behind Cesc Fàbregas and Cristiano Ronaldo. He was also the most fouled player in the Premier League that season, with 100 fouls committed against him. Despite his consistent high-level performances, he did not receive a call-up to the senior Spain squad. In the summer of 2007, he signed a new five-year contract.
In the 2007-08 season, Arteta added another individual honor, winning the 'North West Footballer of the Year' award. In January 2008, he became the first Everton player in five years to receive the Liverpool Echo's 'Sports Personality of the Year' award. He suffered a stomach injury in the second half of that season, requiring surgery before the final game. Arteta scored his first goal of the 2008-09 season from a free-kick against Blackburn Rovers on the opening day. He captained Everton for the first time in a 2-2 draw with Newcastle United, converting a penalty in that match. In February, he sustained a cruciate knee ligament injury during a 0-0 draw against Newcastle, just days after being included in the Spain national team squad for the first time. This injury kept him out for the remainder of the 2008-09 season and the first five months of the 2009-10 campaign. Upon his return, Arteta began to play more centrally, often alongside a defensive midfielder, which allowed him greater freedom to dictate the tempo of play. He made his return from injury in January 2010 as a substitute in an FA Cup tie against Birmingham City, before starting in a 2-1 home Premier League win against Chelsea. He scored his first two goals of the season in a 5-1 win over Hull City in March 2010. In August of the same year, he signed a further five-year contract extension with Everton.
The 2010-11 season was less successful for both Everton and Arteta. After early goals against Manchester United in a thrilling 3-3 draw and in a 2-0 win in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool, Arteta experienced a dip in form that impacted Everton's push for a European spot. However, he showed glimpses of his creative power in the latter part of the season when played on the wing, enjoying more freedom and space. Upon leaving Everton, Arteta expressed that he was 29 years old and felt it was his last chance to make such a move, assuring fans he had given his best for the club. Weeks later, he praised Everton's dressing room spirit as the 'best in football'.
2.1.5. Arsenal
Arteta joined Arsenal on August 31, 2011, signing a four-year deal for a reported fee of 10.00 M GBP. He made his debut on September 10 in a 1-0 home win against Swansea City. His first Premier League goal for Arsenal came in a 4-3 loss against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. Arteta had his first opportunity to captain the "Gunners" in a third-round FA Cup victory over Leeds United, a game that also marked Thierry Henry's second debut for the club. On April 16, Arteta suffered an ankle sprain in a 2-1 loss to Wigan Athletic, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Despite the injury, he made 29 appearances that season, scoring 6 goals, and was voted the fifth most important player of the 2011-12 campaign in Arsenal's Player of the Season poll.
Following the departure of captain Robin van Persie, Arteta was appointed Arsenal's vice-captain for the 2012-13 season. Fans voted him the fourth best player in the 2012-13 campaign's Player of the Season poll, as he helped the team secure their 17th consecutive top-four finish. He missed the beginning of the 2013-14 season due to injury but returned to the squad by the end of September. In October, he scored and was sent off in the same match, a 2-0 away win against Crystal Palace. Arsenal reached the 2014 FA Cup final, with Arteta scoring against his former club Everton in the quarter-final and in the semi-final shootout against Wigan Athletic. He captained the side for the final at Wembley, leading them to a 3-2 win against Hull City, securing his first major honor in English football.
Arteta became Arsenal's new club captain ahead of the 2014-15 season. He won his first trophy as a full-time captain, playing the entire 90 minutes as Arsenal defeated Manchester City 3-0 in the 2014 FA Community Shield. Despite his new appointment, he made only 11 appearances throughout the season, scoring once. Arteta signed a one-year extension with Arsenal for the 2015-16 season and came on as a substitute as Arsenal beat Chelsea 1-0 to win the 2015 FA Community Shield, his first competitive appearance for the club since November 2014. His final game for Arsenal came on the last day of the season. Arteta came on as a substitute and forced Aston Villa goalkeeper Mark Bunn to score an own goal after his shot deflected off the crossbar. He received a standing ovation from the crowd at full time, marking an emotional end to his playing career.
2.2. International Career
Mikel Arteta had an active and successful career at the youth levels for Spain, demonstrating his talent and leadership from a young age. However, despite his consistent club performances, he never managed to break into the highly competitive senior Spanish national team.
Arteta represented Spain at various youth levels. He participated in the victorious 1999 UEFA European Under-16 Championship campaign and the 1999 UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup. He also played in the 1999 FIFA U-17 World Championship and captained the side during the 2004 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign.
In 2010, there were efforts by the English FA and then-England manager Fabio Capello to determine if Arteta could represent England, believing he qualified under FIFA's five-year residency rule. However, FIFA ruled this out, leading Arteta to claim in a 2016 interview that he "almost went to war with FIFA" over the decision. Arteta was also reportedly considered for Spain's senior squad in February 2009, but a cruciate knee ligament injury forced his removal from the list before the squad was announced. He is often cited as one of the best players in modern times to have never earned a senior international cap, a reflection of the extraordinary depth of talent in Spain's midfield during his era, with players such as Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, Xabi Alonso, Cesc Fàbregas, Marcos Senna, Sergio Busquets, Santi Cazorla, and David Silva consistently competing for spots.
3. Style of Play
Mikel Arteta's playing style evolved throughout his career, showcasing adaptability and a deep understanding of midfield roles. He began his youth career at Barcelona as a number 10, an attacking playmaker. However, he was later transitioned into a "pivot" or defensive midfielder position, seen as a player in the mold of Pep Guardiola, renowned for his ability to control the tempo from deep.
His tactical intelligence, combined with excellent technique, vision, and passing ability, made him a highly effective central midfielder. He consistently demonstrated great awareness on the field, allowing him to anticipate play and make crucial interventions. In the 2006-07 Premier League season, Arteta was ranked as the sixth most effective player by the official player ratings system, the Actim Index. His total of 12 league assists in that season placed him third behind Cesc Fàbregas and Cristiano Ronaldo. Furthermore, he was the most fouled player in the Premier League during the same season, with 100 fouls committed against him, highlighting his importance in drawing defenders and creating opportunities. At Arsenal, he returned to a deeper midfield role, where he excelled as his team's primary playmaker, orchestrating attacks and maintaining possession with his sophisticated attributes.
4. Managerial Career
Mikel Arteta's transition from player to coach marked a new chapter in his football journey, beginning with a significant role as an "assistant" and culminating in his current leadership position at Arsenal. His managerial style is characterized by a strong emphasis on tactical discipline, demanding responsibility from his players, and fostering a clear vision for the club's future.
4.1. Manchester City (Assistant Coach)
Upon his retirement from playing in 2016, Arteta had several high-profile options for his next career step. He was offered a role leading the Arsenal Academy by Arsène Wenger, an opportunity to join Mauricio Pochettino's (his former teammate at PSG) coaching staff at Tottenham Hotspur, or a position within Pep Guardiola's coaching team at Manchester City. On July 3, 2016, Arteta chose to join Manchester City as an assistant coach, working alongside Brian Kidd and Domènec Torrent as deputies to Guardiola.
Arteta and Guardiola first met at the Barcelona academy, where Guardiola, 11 years Arteta's senior, was already an established first-team player. They had maintained contact, and Guardiola was convinced of Arteta's coaching potential after consulting him for information on Chelsea before a Champions League semi-final against Barcelona in 2012. In 2015, as Guardiola was preparing to leave Bayern Munich, Arteta, in his final year as a player, reconnected with Guardiola and they decided to work together. Arteta briefly stood in as Manchester City's manager during a UEFA Champions League match against Lyon on September 19, 2018, due to Guardiola's touchline ban. During his tenure as an assistant, Arteta contributed to Manchester City's success, winning two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and two EFL Cups. In 2018, Arteta was strongly linked with the Arsenal manager's vacancy following Arsène Wenger's departure, but Unai Emery was ultimately appointed.
4.2. Arsenal
Arteta's return to Arsenal as manager marked a pivotal moment for the club, as he embarked on a mission to reshape the team's culture and performance.
4.2.1. Early Years (2019-2022)
On December 20, 2019, Mikel Arteta was officially appointed as the head coach of his former club, Arsenal, signing a deal until 2023. Upon his appointment, Arteta publicly stated his belief that the club had lost direction and emphasized the need for accountability and passion from everyone involved. He stressed that anyone not aligned with this vision or who had a negative impact would not be suitable for the environment he aimed to create. On December 24, he named his coaching staff, including assistants Albert Stuivenberg and Steve Round, and goalkeeping coach Iñaki Caña. Interim head coach Freddie Ljungberg also remained as an assistant for a period.
Arteta's first match as Arsenal manager was a Premier League game against Bournemouth on December 26, 2019, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Despite the result, he expressed satisfaction with his players' "attitude, passion, and fighting spirit." His first victory came on January 1, 2020, with a 2-0 win over Manchester United at the Emirates. On March 12, 2020, it was confirmed that Arteta had tested positive for COVID-19, leading to the isolation of the first-team squad and coaching staff and the temporary suspension of Premier League matches. The league resumed later, and on July 18, 2020, Arsenal defeated Arteta's former employer, Manchester City, 2-0 in the FA Cup semi-final. Arsenal went on to win the 2020 FA Cup final 2-1 against Chelsea, marking a record 14th FA Cup victory for the club. This triumph made Arteta the first person to win the FA Cup as both captain and coach of Arsenal, and the first head coach or manager to win a major trophy in his debut season since George Graham in 1986-87.
Before the start of the 2020-21 season, assistant coach Freddie Ljungberg and goalkeeping coach Sal Bibbo departed, replaced by assistant coaches Carlos Cuesta and Miguel Molina, and set-piece coach Andreas Georgson. On August 29, 2020, Arteta secured his second trophy as manager, as Arsenal defeated Liverpool 5-4 on penalties in the 2020 FA Community Shield. On September 10, Arteta's job title was formally changed from first team head coach to manager, reflecting a wider remit at the club.
On January 23, 2021, Arteta experienced his first FA Cup defeat as a manager, with Arsenal being knocked out by Southampton in the fourth round, failing to defend their title. On March 14, 2021, Arteta achieved his first victory in the North London derby as a manager, with a 2-1 win against Tottenham, a significant moment as it was Arsenal's first derby win since December 2018. In the Europa League, he led Arsenal to the semi-finals, where they lost 2-1 on aggregate to Unai Emery's Villarreal. Arsenal finished 8th in the Premier League, ending the club's 25-year streak of participating in European competitions, a clear indicator of the rebuilding challenge.
In July 2021, set-piece coach Nicolas Jover joined Arteta's coaching team. The 2021-22 season began with a challenging start, including a 2-0 loss to newly promoted Brentford, followed by defeats to Chelsea and Manchester City. This left Arsenal at the bottom of the league without points or goals, putting Arteta's position under scrutiny. However, Arsenal's management resisted calls for his dismissal, and the team went on to win all their league games in September, earning Arteta his first Premier League Manager of the Month award. On April 1, 2022, he received his second Manager of the Month award, and on May 6, he extended his contract until the end of the 2024-25 season. Despite sitting in fourth place for much of the second half of the campaign, successive away defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United in the final weeks saw Arsenal finish 5th, securing a spot in the UEFA Europa League for the following season.
4.2.2. Title Challenge and Champions League Return (2022-present)
The 2022-23 campaign began positively for Arsenal with a 2-0 away win against Crystal Palace on August 5, 2022. This victory marked Arteta's 50th league win as Arsenal boss, making him the second-quickest manager to reach this milestone after Arsène Wenger. On August 20, Arsenal defeated Bournemouth 3-0, vaulting them to the top of the Premier League for the first time since 2016 and marking the first time Arsenal had won their opening three fixtures since the 2004-05 season. On August 27, Arsenal beat Fulham 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium, which was Arteta's 100th Premier League game in charge. The team concluded August with a 2-1 home win over Aston Villa, achieving five consecutive wins to start a top-flight season for only the fourth time in club history. Mikel Arteta became the 11th manager to win the first five games of a Premier League season and was named Premier League Manager of the Month for August, his third such award.
On October 16, 2022, Arteta's side secured a 1-0 victory against Leeds United at Elland Road. This result marked the club's best-ever start to a top-flight campaign, with nine wins from their first ten league games, and extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to four points. On November 6, the "Gunners" defeated Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge. This was Arteta's 87th victory in 150 games in charge of Arsenal, surpassing the records of his predecessors, including George Graham and Arsène Wenger, over the equivalent period. For leading Arsenal to four wins from four Premier League games in November and December, Arteta earned his fourth Premier League Manager of the Month award.
On January 22, 2023, Arsenal beat Manchester United 3-2 at home. This victory gave them a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand, and Arsenal reached 50 points from 19 games at the halfway stage of the league season, marking their best-ever start to a top-flight campaign and 15 more points than at the same stage the previous season. Arteta received his fifth Premier League Manager of the Month award in January, becoming the first manager to win the award in successive months since Pep Guardiola in November and December 2021, and the first Arsenal manager to win it three times in a single campaign.
On March 12, Arsenal defeated Fulham 3-0 at Craven Cottage. This was Arteta's 100th win in his 168th game as Arsenal manager, giving him the best win percentage of any Arsenal manager. The following day, he was awarded Manager of the Year at the 2023 London Football Awards. He won his fourth Premier League Manager of the Month award for the season in March. However, a loss on penalties to Sporting CP in the UEFA Europa League round of 16, coupled with injuries to key players William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu, saw Arsenal's strong league form falter. Their seven-game winning streak from mid-February to early April was derailed by three consecutive draws (against Liverpool, West Ham United, and Southampton) before a decisive 4-1 loss at the Etihad Stadium allowed second-place Manchester City to capitalize. By May 20, Arsenal could no longer mathematically win the title after consecutive losses to Brighton and Nottingham Forest, finishing in second place and ceding the title to Manchester City. Despite this, their second-place finish meant Arteta was the first manager since Arsène Wenger six years prior to guide Arsenal to a Champions League qualification spot, and it was the highest position Arsenal had achieved since being league runners-up in 2015-16. It was reported in July 2023 that assistant coach Steve Round had departed the club.
Arsenal opened their 2023-24 campaign with a 4-1 victory via penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw against reigning champions Manchester City, winning the 2023 FA Community Shield, Arteta's third trophy as Arsenal manager. On October 8, Arteta's Arsenal defeated Manchester City 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium, ending Arsenal's 12-game straight losing run against City in the Premier League. Arteta's 200th game as Arsenal manager came on November 25, which saw Arsenal win 1-0 away at Brentford to take top spot in the Premier League for the first time that season. On November 29, Arteta led Arsenal to the Champions League knockout stages for the first time since 2016-17, following a 6-0 win over Lens to win Group B. Arteta was named Premier League Manager of the Month for February due to Arsenal's 100% win record throughout the month and scoring 18 goals in the process. In the Champions League round of 16, Arsenal defeated Porto on penalties to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament for the first time since 2009-10. On May 12, 2024, Arsenal defeated Manchester United in a 1-0 away win at Old Trafford to secure 27 wins in the 2023-24 campaign at that point, the most for a 38-game season in the club's history, surpassing the record set by the Invincibles in the 2003-04 season. However, despite beating Everton 2-1 on the final day, Arsenal finished runner-up to Manchester City for the second season in a row, missing out on the title by two points. On September 12, 2024, Arteta extended his contract to remain Arsenal manager for three years.
5. Personal Life
Mikel Arteta was born on March 26, 1982, in San Sebastián, in the Basque Country of Spain. He is a polyglot, fluent in Spanish, Basque, Catalan, and English. He also speaks French, Italian, and Portuguese to some extent.
Arteta is married to Argentine-Spanish actress, television host, and model Lorena Bernal, who was formerly Miss Spain. The couple has three children: Gabriel (born 2009), Daniel (born 2012), and Oliver (born 2015).
6. Media Appearances
Mikel Arteta has featured in prominent sports documentaries, offering insights into his managerial career and the inner workings of elite football clubs.
He was a central figure in the Amazon Original sports documentary series "All or Nothing: Arsenal", which chronicled Arsenal's 2021-22 season, providing behind-the-scenes access to the coaching staff and players both on and off the field. Prior to this, he also appeared in "All or Nothing: Manchester City", documenting his time as an assistant coach under Pep Guardiola.
7. Honours
Mikel Arteta has accumulated a significant number of titles and individual accolades throughout his playing and managerial careers, reflecting his consistent success and impact in football.
7.1. As a Player
7.1.1. Club
- UEFA Intertoto Cup: 2001 (with Paris Saint-Germain)
- Scottish Premier League: 2002-03 (with Rangers)
- Scottish League Cup: 2002-03 (with Rangers)
- FA Cup: 2013-14, 2014-15 (with Arsenal)
- FA Community Shield: 2014, 2015 (with Arsenal)
7.1.2. International Youth
- UEFA European Under-16 Championship: 1999 (with Spain U16)
- UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup: 1999 (with Spain U18)
7.1.3. Individual
- Scottish Premier League Young Player of the Month: September 2002, August 2003
- Everton Player of the Season: 2005-06, 2006-07
- Everton Players' Player of the Season: 2005-06
- Premier League Midfielder of the Year (Sky Sports): 2006-07
- North West Footballer of the Year: 2007
- Liverpool Echo's Sports Personality of the Year: 2008
7.2. As a Manager
7.2.1. Club
- FA Cup: 2019-20 (with Arsenal)
- FA Community Shield: 2020, 2023 (with Arsenal)
7.2.2. Individual
- Globe Soccer Awards Best Premier League Coach: 2023-24
- Premier League Manager of the Month: September 2021, March 2022, August 2022, November/December 2022, January 2023, March 2023, February 2024
- London Football Awards Manager of the Year: 2023
7.2.3. Orders
Officer's Cross of the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic Officer's Cross of the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic: 2024
8. Statistics
Arteta's career statistics showcase his extensive playing career across various clubs and his developing managerial record.
8.1. Playing Statistics
| Club | Season | League | National Cup | League Cup | Europe | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | |||
| Barcelona B | 1999-2000 | 26 | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 26 | 1 | |
| 2000-01 | 16 | 2 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 16 | 2 | ||
| Total | 42 | 3 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 42 | 3 | ||
| Paris Saint-Germain | 2000-01 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | - | - | 11 | 1 | |
| 2001-02 | 25 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 10 | 1 | - | - | 42 | 4 | ||
| Total | 31 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 14 | 1 | - | - | 53 | 5 | ||
| Rangers | 2002-03 | 27 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 35 | 5 | |
| 2003-04 | 23 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | - | - | 33 | 9 | ||
| Total | 50 | 12 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 7 | 1 | - | - | 68 | 14 | ||
| Real Sociedad | 2004-05 | 15 | 1 | 2 | 0 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 17 | 1 | |
| Everton | 2004-05 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | - | - | 13 | 1 | |
| 2005-06 | 29 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | - | - | 37 | 3 | ||
| 2006-07 | 35 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | - | - | - | - | 39 | 9 | ||
| 2007-08 | 28 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 3 | - | - | 37 | 4 | ||
| 2008-09 | 26 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | - | - | 31 | 7 | ||
| 2009-10 | 13 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | - | - | 16 | 6 | ||
| 2010-11 | 29 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | - | - | 33 | 3 | ||
| 2011-12 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | - | - | - | - | 3 | 2 | ||
| Total | 174 | 28 | 13 | 2 | 8 | 1 | 14 | 4 | - | - | 209 | 35 | ||
| Arsenal | 2011-12 | 29 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | - | - | 38 | 6 | |
| 2012-13 | 34 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | - | - | 43 | 6 | ||
| 2013-14 | 31 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0 | - | - | 43 | 3 | ||
| 2014-15 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 1 | ||
| 2015-16 | 9 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 0 | ||
| Total | 110 | 14 | 12 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 24 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 150 | 16 | ||
| Career total | 422 | 60 | 38 | 5 | 19 | 2 | 59 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 539 | 74 | ||
8.2. Managerial Statistics
| Team | From | To | Record | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | W | D | L | Win % | |||
| Arsenal | December 22, 2019 | Present | 273 | 161 | 49 | 63 | 58.97 |
| Total | 273 | 161 | 49 | 63 | 58.97 | ||
9. Legacy and Reception
Mikel Arteta's tenure as manager of Arsenal has been a period of significant transformation and intense scrutiny, reflecting a determined effort to rebuild the club's identity and competitive standing. From a center-left perspective, his leadership is notable for its emphasis on collective responsibility, a clear vision for tactical evolution, and a commitment to nurturing a cohesive team culture.
Initially, Arteta faced considerable challenges, inheriting a team that many felt had lost its direction. His early statements, demanding accountability and passion from his players, signaled his intent to instill a strong work ethic and a unified purpose. The immediate success of winning the FA Cup in his debut season, and then the Community Shield, demonstrated his ability to achieve tangible results even during a rebuilding phase. This was particularly significant as he became the first person to win the FA Cup for Arsenal as both captain and manager, a testament to his deep understanding of the club's values and history.
His decision to change his title from head coach to manager in September 2020 further highlighted his ambition to exert broader influence over the club's strategic operations, including player recruitment and overall performance infrastructure. This move reflects a progressive approach to leadership, seeking to align all facets of the organization towards a shared goal.
Arteta's tactical intelligence and adaptability have been central to Arsenal's on-field improvements. He has overseen a shift in playing style, focusing on a more fluid and dominant approach. The team's resurgence in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, where they challenged for the Premier League title and secured UEFA Champions League qualification, underscored the success of his long-term vision. These achievements, after a period of absence from elite European competition, illustrate his effectiveness in guiding the team through difficult phases and fostering significant growth. The record for most wins in a 38-game season (28 wins in 2023-24) exemplifies the statistical markers of progress under his guidance.
Despite these successes, Arteta's journey has not been without its setbacks, such as early league finishes outside of European qualification and falling short in consecutive title races against Manchester City. These challenges, however, have often been met with a resilient and analytical response, emphasizing learning and adaptation. His focus on developing young talent and integrating them into the first team aligns with a forward-thinking, sustainable approach to club management.
Overall, Mikel Arteta's legacy is being forged through his decisive leadership, his commitment to a strong club culture, and his tactical innovation. He is seen as a manager who not only understands the intricacies of the game but also the importance of building a unified and motivated collective, steering Arsenal towards a renewed era of competitiveness.
10. See also
- List of FA Cup winning managers
- List of Arsenal F.C. managers