Mikel Arteta has already achieved what so many had deemed impossible during his early days in the Arsenal dugout.
The Spaniard was quickly written off with the Gunners continuing the slump which had set in well before Arsene Wenger ’s emotional departure. Unai Emery, a manager rich with European pedigree, failed to arrest the decline and lasted less than two years.
But in the three-and-a-bit years since his own appointment, Arteta has Arsenal in the driving seat for a first Premier League title in almost 20 years. Manchester City are sure to take them right to the end of the season, but their upward ascension is noteworthy regardless.
