Mikel Arteta Named Premier League Manager of the Season After Guiding Arsenal to First Title in 22 Years

Mikel Arteta has been named the Premier League Manager of the Season, recognising his role in delivering Arsenal‘s first league championship in 22 years — a drought that stretched back to the 2003/04 Invincibles season under Arsène Wenger.

Arteta’s side were the dominant force throughout the campaign, occupying top spot in the table from October onwards before securing the title with a game still to play. The achievement is particularly significant given that Arsenal had finished as runners-up in each of the three preceding seasons, twice behind Manchester City, accumulating mounting pressure on the club and its manager to convert consistency into silverware.

The award was decided from a competitive shortlist that included Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Brentford’s Keith Andrews, Sunderland’s Regis Le Bris, and Manchester United’s Michael Carrick — a field reflecting the broader competitiveness of the 2025/26 division.

Arteta, who took charge of Arsenal in December 2019 when the club were in a period of significant underperformance, reflected on the weight of the moment following the trophy presentation at Crystal Palace on Sunday. “The fans have been waiting for this for so long,” he said. “We have had some difficult moments along the way, but all of them are worth it when you see that kind of reaction.”

The 43-year-old elaborated on the character shown by his squad across the season. “We showed an incredible connection, an incredible commitment and incredible courage as well. Everything around us was fuel for the desire to go and do it,” Arteta said. “There are doubts and the understanding that maybe you are not the right person. But thanks to God, we have done it. I feel a lot of joy and a lot of relief as well.”

Arteta has previously indicated his intention to build on this domestic success. According to Pulse Sports, the manager has set his sights on Champions League glory following the Premier League triumph, suggesting the club’s ambitions extend well beyond this single title.

Elsewhere in the end-of-season awards, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes claimed the Player of the Season honour, while Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly was recognised as Young Player of the Season — an award that underlines City’s continued ability to develop emerging talent despite a season in which they were unable to retain the league title.

Arteta’s recognition caps a transformation at Arsenal that has been among the more significant in recent Premier League history. When he arrived in December 2019, the club sat eighth in the table following a turbulent period under Unai Emery. Over the course of six-and-a-half seasons, he rebuilt the squad’s structure, identity, and competitive ceiling, ultimately delivering a first league title since the days of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, and Robert Pires.