For all the frustration that often surrounds Arsenal’s most painful defeats, a closer look at Mikel Arteta’s overall record paints a far more balanced picture than many fans admit. In terms of win, draw, and loss percentages, Arteta sits comfortably among the more successful managers in Arsenal’s modern era. His teams dominate possession, create chances, and have restored a level of consistency that had been missing in the late Wenger and Emery years.
Across league and cup competitions, Arteta’s win rate is undeniably strong. Arsenal have become a side capable of sustaining long unbeaten runs, challenging at the top of the Premier League table, and competing toe-to-toe with Europe’s best. Under him, Arsenal have returned to the Champions League, rebuilt their identity, and become, statistically, one of England’s elite sides again.
So why does the debate around Arteta remain so intense?
Because numbers don’t lie, but neither do moments.
For all the progress, Arsenal have struggled in the biggest, most defining matches: title run-ins, key Champions League knockout ties, decisive clashes against Manchester City, and late-season games where one result can swing momentum. Arteta’s record is good, but the crucial defeats are the ones that echo in fans’ minds. And in football, fine margins create lasting narratives.
The other major challenge is silverware. Arteta arrived with a trophy, the 2020 FA Cup, but since then, the cabinet has been quiet. Arsenal have become a top-class, well-run football team, but trophies are the currency that defines greatness. The squad is strong enough, the football is mature enough, and the expectations are now higher than ever. To turn promise into history, Arteta needs to convert performances into titles.
And that is where the future lies.
Arteta has proven he can rebuild. He has proven he can develop players. He has proven he can create a winning structure. Now he must prove he can deliver championships, handle pressure moments, and win the defining matches that turn good managers into great ones.
Gooners, what do you think? Is Arteta on the right track, and does he just need that final breakthrough? Or is it time for real results, not just progress?
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