Mikel Arteta, the current manager of Arsenal Football Club, embodies a unique duality in the club's history. As a player, he was a composed and intelligent central midfielder, leading the Gunners to consecutive FA Cup victories in 2014 and 2015. Now, in the manager's hot seat, he's tasked with rebuilding a club adrift, implementing a tactical philosophy heavily influenced by his time under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Background

Born in San Sebastian, Spain, Arteta's footballing journey began at Barcelona's famed La Masia academy. However, limited playing opportunities saw him loaned to Paris Saint-Germain and then sold to Rangers, where he experienced his first taste of senior team success, winning the Scottish treble in his debut season.

In 2004, Arteta arrived at Everton, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in David Moyes's midfield. His leadership qualities blossomed, and his technical ability made him a fan favorite. Five years later, the chance to join Arsenal proved too tempting to resist.


At Arsenal, Arteta found a perfect fit. His tactical awareness and passing range complemented the team's attacking style. He captained the side during a period of transition, his experience and calmness proving invaluable to a young squad. The highlight of his Arsenal playing career undoubtedly came in the form of back-to-back FA Cup triumphs. He even scored a memorable penalty in the 2014 final, a significant moment for both him and the club.

Arteta's playing career eventually began to wind down due to injuries. However, his thirst for the game remained strong. He recognized an opportunity to learn from arguably the best manager in the world – Pep Guardiola – by joining Manchester City as assistant coach in 2016. The apprenticeship under Guardiola proved to be a masterclass in tactical innovation and elite-level management. Arteta absorbed Guardiola's philosophy of positional play, possession dominance, and high pressing, philosophies that would heavily influence his own managerial approach.

In December 2019, with Arsenal in turmoil following Unai Emery's sacking, the club turned to Arteta, their former captain, in the hope of injecting some stability and direction. The gamble seemed to pay off initially. Arteta's impact was immediate, with Arsenal playing a brand of attractive, possession-based football. They narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification in his first full season, but optimism grew among the fanbase.

However, the following seasons proved more challenging. Squad limitations, coupled with the financial constraints of the pandemic, hampered Arteta's ability to fully implement his vision. The team's results became inconsistent, leading to questions about his tactics and man-management.


Despite the criticism, Arteta has remained resolute in his approach. He has overseen a significant overhaul of the squad, prioritizing young, talented players with the potential to develop under his system. The signings of Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka, and Aaron Ramsdale have been particularly successful, with these young stars forming the core of a team with a promising future.

Arteta's critics point to a lack of pragmatism. They argue his rigid adherence to possession-based football sometimes overlooks the need for tactical flexibility. Additionally, questions remain regarding his ability to get the best out of experienced players, a crucial factor for sustained success at the highest level.

However, Arteta's supporters see him as a visionary leader building a team for the long haul. They admire his commitment to developing young talent and believe his long-term plan will ultimately lead to silverware. Arteta's influence extends beyond tactics. He has fostered a strong sense of togetherness within the squad, something that was missing during the tumultuous years prior to his arrival.

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal odyssey is still very much in progress. He faces a constant battle to balance pragmatism with his long-term vision. Whether he can deliver the kind of sustained success that Arsenal fans crave remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: his influence on the club, both as a player and a manager, will be remembered for years to come.