Mikel Arteta signs contract extension

09/12/2024 02:34 PM

Arsenal's gaffer commits to his future at the club

Amidst an otherwise rough few weeks for Arsenal, the Gunners announced a major boost to the club, as it was announced on Thursday that manager Mikel Arteta had signed a three year contract extension, reaffirming his commitment to his former club.

Under the leadership of Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have reclaimed their spot among the elite of Europe that they once occupied for what felt like time immemorial. The once-Arsenal man has successfully turned his former team into title contenders after arriving at a club in utter disarray in 2019. Sifting through the wreckage of the failed Unai Emery era, Arteta quickly set out to establish an identity for the club both on and off the pitch while preaching patience with his much-publicized process.

Arteta's insistence on implementing his style of play did not come without the requisite growing pains. After inheriting a bloated roster full of under-performing, overpaid players, he navigated several lean years as he retooled and remolded the roster, often having to have the club eat the cost of a contract in order to move on a player. Arteta's early tenure was tested during the fan-less COVID season, but was bolstered by a shock FA Cup campaign that showed promise of things to come.

Since the club's back-to-back 8th placed finishes in the 19/20 and 20/21 seasons, Arteta has had Arsenal on a steady upward trajectory, finishing 5th before consecutive 2nd place finishes that saw the Gunners come ever so close to topping the league for the first time since 2004. His shrewd player management and his obsessive approach to match prep and tactics has seen him become the 5th fastest manager to 100 wins, and the fastest Arsenal manager to reach that milestone.

Not bad for a guy in his first ever managerial role.

A great deal of credit needs to be given to the ownership, as well. Only a few years removed from the Kroenke Out banners and fan protests outside of the Emirates, KSE's unwavering support in Mikel their investment in him and the club have been rewarded with a vastly improved Arsenal that competes for titles. Josh Kroenke in particular has been a vocal supporter of Mikel, and his decision to trust in Arteta and Edu has been an exceptional one.

The new contract, though, now comes with increased expectations. The largest criticism that can be leveled at the manager is the relative lack of trophies. Arteta's FA Cup run bought him a long leash, but now he needs to add a few more pieces of silverware to repay that continued faith by the owners and fans. At his current rate, those are sure to come.

But all of that is further down the road, with the new season barely underway. For now, we will celebrate the extension of the man that has rejuvenated the once-adrift club and has gotten them back to the pinnacle of the sport.

Vamos, Mikel!