Mikel Arteta Named Premier League Manager of the Season After Ending Arsenal’s 22-Year Title Drought

Mikel Arteta has been officially named the 2025/26 Barclays Manager of the Season, the Premier League announced on Wednesday, rewarding the Spaniard for masterminding Arsenal’s long-awaited return to English football’s summit.

The 43-year-old led the Gunners to their first Premier League title since the 2003/04 ‘Invincibles’ campaign, finally ending a 22-year wait for the club. Arsenal clinched the trophy with games to spare in what proved to be a dominant and emotionally charged season for the north London side.

Arteta’s tactical evolution and relentless commitment were widely credited as the driving forces behind the success. Having endured painful near-misses in previous seasons, the former Arsenal midfielder transformed the squad into a ruthless, high-pressing unit capable of sustaining a title challenge. His leadership, player management, and ability to extract the best from stars like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and new key additions earned praise across the footballing world.

The award marks a personal triumph for Arteta, who joined Arsenal as head coach in December 2019 amid significant pressure. From rebuilding the club’s culture to delivering silverware, his journey has been one of patience and perseverance.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters praised Arteta’s “outstanding contribution” and the “exceptional quality” of Arsenal’s title-winning campaign. The honour caps a memorable season for the Emirates club and cements Arteta’s status among the Premier League’s elite managers.