Arsene Wenger's long-term backing for Mikel Arteta has been fully vindicated after Arsenal finally ended their 22-year wait for the Premier League title. Wenger, who was in charge when the Gunners last lifted the trophy at the end of the 2003/04 Invincibles season, has long been regarded as a football visionary. He identified Arteta as a potential Arsenal manager back in 2018 when he concluded his own illustrious reign at the club.
Wenger's Early Endorsement
Arteta, who played under Wenger for Arsenal, was then in the early stages of his coaching career as one of Pep Guardiola's assistants at Manchester City. Despite his relative inexperience, Wenger had already seen enough to proclaim that Arteta possessed "all the qualities" needed to become a successful Gunners boss. Speaking to BeIN Sports, Wenger said: "He was a leader, has good passion for the game, knows the club and knows what is important at the club. Overall, he has the qualities but I don't want to influence that publicly. I believe it is important they make their choice in an objective way and after that decision I will support him."
The Road to Glory
Arsenal initially appointed Unai Emery, who was sacked after 18 months following a run of seven games without a win. Arteta inherited a difficult situation when he took over in December 2019. The pandemic-interrupted season ended with Arsenal in eighth place, sandwiched between Wolves and Sheffield United. Another eighth-place finish followed during the behind-closed-doors campaign, then a fifth-place spot. However, the green shoots of recovery had been spotted, and Arteta was given the opportunity to see his project flourish.
In 2022, Wenger was asked whether Arteta had rekindled Arsenal's spirit. He replied: "It looks like it, yes, I think so, yes. We still have some way to go because we were dominating in England for some time. All the ingredients are there, the club has invested a lot of money for the first time since we built the stadium. The team is stable now with their results, his leadership looks to be accepted by the players and there is a connection between him and the team. So overall, what you see from outside is positive."
Title Triumph
Those words proved prophetic as, after three successive runner-up finishes, Arsenal are finally English football's top dogs again. Wenger has already congratulated the club on their success with a classy message via Arsenal's social media platforms. He said: "You did it. Champions go on, when others stop. This is your time. Now, go on and enjoy every moment."
