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Kuala Lumpur – After ending Arsenal’s 22-year Premier League title drought, Mikel Arteta is now targeting the ultimate prize: the UEFA Champions League trophy to crown one of the most impressive managerial rebuilds in modern football.
Arsenal will face Paris Saint-Germain in Saturday’s Champions League final, with Arteta just 90 minutes away from delivering Europe’s most prestigious club honour for the first time in the club’s history.
From Crisis to Contenders
When Arteta returned to Arsenal as head coach in 2019, the club was in disarray — fractured squad, low morale, and drifting identity following the final years of Arsène Wenger’s long reign. Seven years later, the transformation is complete.
The Spaniard guided Arsenal to their first Premier League title since 2004 this season, finishing ahead of their rivals after three consecutive runner-up finishes. Now, he wants to go one step further.
“We have raised different standards now, and now we have to go to the next level,” Arteta said ahead of the final.
Arteta’s Unique Philosophy
Unlike many coaches who tried to copy Pep Guardiola’s style, Arteta forged his own path at the Emirates. His Arsenal combines tactical discipline, high pressing, zonal marking, and ruthless pragmatism — winning “ugly” when required.
Key to the success has been team culture. Arteta completely transformed the environment at London Colney, emphasising unity, accountability, and togetherness. He introduced mantras, symbols, and even a black Labrador named “Win” to foster responsibility among the players.
Set-piece mastery, led by coach Nicolas Jover, has also been revolutionary. Arsenal broke the Premier League record for goals from corners this season, with set-pieces accounting for over a third of their goals.
Ultimate Test Against PSG
The final against Paris Saint-Germain represents the biggest challenge yet. PSG are a star-studded side packed with talent, while the tie also carries personal history for Arteta, who played for the French club early in his career.
Despite the challenge, Arteta remains confident.
“We have an amazing opportunity to write new history in our football club.”
Why This Arsenal Side Is Different
Former Everton manager David Moyes highlighted Arteta’s evolution, noting he has developed the “dark arts” needed to win consistently at the highest level. What was once a vulnerable team has become mentally strong, tactically flexible, and relentlessly driven.
The journey wasn’t easy — there were early setbacks and painful near-misses — but those experiences have forged a squad ready for this moment.
