Jose Mourinho's prediction that Arsenal would return to the top of English football under Mikel Arteta has proven accurate, two years after he made the remarks. Following a North London derby in December 2020, Mourinho praised Arteta's tactical organisation and predicted that Arsenal would 'be Arsenal again' despite their lowly league position at the time.
In that match, Tottenham Hotspur, then managed by Mourinho, defeated Arsenal 2-0 with goals from Son Heung-min and Harry Kane. The result left Tottenham top of the Premier League and Arsenal languishing in 15th place, heaping pressure on Arteta after just over a year in charge.
Despite winning the FA Cup in his debut season, Arteta had guided Arsenal to an eighth-placed finish in the 2019/20 campaign. However, Mourinho saw beyond the immediate results, stating: 'Tactically, they are very good, they were very well organised... they are a good team and he is a good coach. I believe with this players, with Mikel, Arsenal will be Arsenal again.'
Arsenal's form stabilised in the remainder of the 2020/21 season, and they finished seventh, one place above Spurs. This season, the Gunners have soared to the top of the Premier League, opening an eight-point gap over Manchester City after a 2-0 victory in Sunday's North London derby.
Mourinho's words have proven prophetic, as Arsenal now sit atop the table with over half the season remaining, vindicating the club's patience in Arteta's methods.
