Mikel Arteta led Arsenal to their first Premier League title in 22 years at Selhurst Park following a dominant season shaped by his total authority over the club.
The extent of Arteta's influence was clear on the final day of the campaign as captain Martin Odegaard walked off the Selhurst Park turf carrying the Premier League trophy. Photographers commissioned by the league had already taken individual pictures of the rest of the squad and were waiting for the Norwegian midfielder.
As Odegaard spoke to the photographers about getting his picture taken, an Arsenal staff member pulled the trophy away from him. The staff member told Odegaard that "the boss wants it (the trophy)" before quickly carrying the silverware over to Arteta.
The moment reflected how Arteta had established himself above all else at the club. When he arrived in December 2019, Arteta was a novice head coach inheriting a fractured environment where authority had to be earned over time. He gradually transformed Arsenal in his own image, creating a culture where stepping out of line resulted in a place on the sidelines or the outer perimeter for anyone who failed to buy into his "non-negotiables".
There was no room for individual ego under Arteta, whose determination was forged during his playing career. As a player, he won only two league titles: the French Division 1, now Ligue 1, in the 2001-02 season, and the Scottish Premier League at Rangers in 2002-03. During 11 years in England playing for Everton and Arsenal, he won the FA Cup twice but never lifted a league trophy.
Finishing as Premier League runners-up for three consecutive seasons took a heavy personal toll on Arteta as he sought to rebuild the club. Despite the strain, he continued arriving at the training ground at 7 am each day, convinced that Arsenal would succeed at the fourth time of asking.
Managerial control and stadium plans
Arteta's influence expanded significantly after Arsenal won the FA Cup against Chelsea in 2020. Following that victory, the club upgraded his title from head coach to manager, making him one of just six managers in the Premier League while the other 14 clubs employ head coaches.
The promotion gave Arteta direct control over departments that often operate independently at other clubs, such as sports science and performance analysis. Staff presented their work directly to him, and Arteta listened, questioned and decided what aligned with his vision. He retained a key say over player training frequency and intensity after considering feedback on workload.
Arteta was also included in high-level club discussions regarding the potential expansion of Emirates Stadium, driven by sustained demand and season ticket waiting lists exceeding 20 years. Although he was not a technical expert on stadium construction, he was treated as a central figure whose perspective carried significant weight.
Club executives viewed his control as essential for consistency and purpose, even though replacing Arteta in the future would require dismantling and rebuilding the club's entire operational structure.
His rigorous approach remained unchanged during periods of scrutiny. Arteta occasionally arrived up to 30 minutes late for press conferences because training had overrun. On one occasion, as journalists placed their recording devices on the desk, Arteta leaned toward his press officer and whispered, "What time was this supposed to start?" to signal that media deadlines were secondary to tactical preparation.
Press tactics and injury secrecy
Arteta treated press conferences as an obligation unless he wanted to whip up Arsenal supporters, and he was determined to keep reporters away from team matters. Ahead of a match in January, he listed defender William Saliba as doubtful due to injury, but a source confirmed shortly after the conference that Saliba would be available.
The tactic was part of a broader campaign of injury mind games designed to keep opposing managers guessing about his starting XI until team-sheets arrived on matchday. When pressed by reporters for specific details on injuries, Arteta relied on go-to answers such as "We will have to wait and see" or "we are waiting for the training session later", offering an enigmatic, unblinking smile.
Arsenal staff were strictly instructed to ensure no injury news leaked out. Arteta also maintained a meticulous focus on small details in the press room, adjusting microphones and monitoring seating arrangements. During one press conference, he paused after noticing a familiar journalist sitting in an unusual position, pointing at him and saying, "You changed your seat."
Discipline and player relationships
Arteta enforced strict standards away from the pitch as well. During pre-season tours, staff members avoided eating unhealthy food near the camp out of fear of receiving a stern stare or a quiet word from the manager.
However, Arteta balanced his high intensity with personal empathy. In a previous season, after learning that a staff member's son was being bullied at school, Arteta invited the boy to meet the players and use the club gym in the evenings to build his confidence.
He regularly looked for opportunities to support his squad with thoughtful gestures. When goalkeeper David Raya signed for Arsenal, Arteta invited the Raya family to the stadium and presented a custom shirt to Raya's grandfather, Joaquin.
Arteta's methods delivered key results during October, when Arsenal recorded six wins from six matches. The run included steady 1-0 victories over Crystal Palace and Fulham following a difficult September, allowing Arsenal to overtake early season favourites Liverpool in the title odds.
The details of Arsenal's title victory are detailed in 22 Years: The Inside Story of Arsenal's Title-Winning Season by Isaan Khan, published by Biteback Publishing, which is released on August 25.
