As Mikel Arteta reflected on Arsenal’s heartbreaking end to their Premier League campaign, he found solace in the strong foundations he has laid for the team’s future.
Despite entering the final game of the season with hopes of clinching their first league title in 20 years, Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Everton was overshadowed by Manchester City’s 3-1 win against West Ham, securing City the championship by a two-point margin.
Though the disappointment is palpable, the future remains promising for the revitalized Gunners. Under Arteta’s passionate and strategic guidance, a squad of emerging stars, including Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, William Saliba, Ben White, and Gabriel Martinelli, is poised for greatness.
City’s dominance, marked by their fourth consecutive title, is formidable. However, Arteta’s meticulous rebuilding has positioned Arsenal as their primary contenders. Symbolizing his long-term vision, Arteta planted an olive tree at Arsenal’s training ground, representing the deep roots of the club’s staff and the flourishing potential of its players.
“I planted the tree as a gift, a living symbol of our responsibility,” Arteta shared with the BBC. “It’s a daily reminder of our commitment.”
Arsenal’s close but ultimately unsuccessful title challenge marked a significant turnaround from December 2019, when Arteta took over a struggling team. Back then, Arsenal was adrift, with a fractured bond between the underperforming squad and their disillusioned fans. Arteta, with his core values of humility, respect, and accountability, sought to rebuild this connection.
Winning the FA Cup in his first season provided a morale boost, but consecutive eighth-place finishes in the league in 2020 and 2021 highlighted the depth of the challenge. Arteta faced internal resistance, notably with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who was stripped of the captaincy and eventually left for Barcelona.
Arteta’s tenure as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at City proved invaluable, giving him the resilience to navigate tough times. This season, Arsenal returned to the Champions League and took four points from City, demonstrating their growth.
Arteta’s intensity and passion, often visible in his touchline outbursts, have been questioned but ultimately embraced by his players. “Every day he pushes us in new ways,” Odegaard said. “He’s an unbelievable manager who finds those small changes that make a big difference.”
Arteta’s journey to dethrone Guardiola is ongoing, but his relentless pursuit and strategic acumen suggest it’s only a matter of time before the student surpasses the master.
