Mikel Arteta: Arsenal boss joins elite list of managers, but where does he rank?
BBC Sport explores Mikel Arteta's rise to become one of the Premier League's elite 250 club managers.
Arteta Joins Select Group
Mikel Arteta became the second person to both play (284) and manage (250) at least 250 Premier League games, alongside Mark Hughes (played 297, managed 466).
A Manager of Note
He joins an elite group including Arsene Wenger, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Pep Guardiola, known for managing 250 games with a single Premier League club.
Arsenal's Fortress Under Arteta
Arteta's Arsenal have become renowned for their defensive prowess, conceding the fewest goals in the league last season as they won the title.
- Defensive Excellence: Against Aston Villa, Arsenal didn't allow a single shot on target, securing a hard-fought 1-0 win.
- Win Percentage: He boasts the fourth-best win percentage among these managers, following Guardiola, Ferguson, and Jurgen Klopp.
A Lasting Impact
Arteta's nearly seven years in charge have instilled an Arsenal identity, with players praising his meticulous approach.
- Consistency: Arsenal have won their first two Premier League matches for the fifth straight season, building on a solid foundation for another title challenge.
- Solid Start: They've only faced three shots on target in their first two games, mirroring their successful title-winning campaign from last season.
Key Players and Awards
Goalkeeper David Raya has won the Golden Glove award for the most clean sheets in each of the past three seasons. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have been voted into the PFA Team of the Year for the past three seasons.
In summary, Mikel Arteta has solidified his place among the Premier League's elite managers, with his Arsenal side demonstrating a fortress-like defense and a promising start to the new season.