Arsenal Football Club has never won a major trophy like the Premier League or Champions League since Mikel Arteta became manager in December 2019. He did win the FA Cup in 2020, but the team has since gone without any major silverware. Some fans and critics are questioning whether the club should have replaced him.
Building a strong team foundation
When Mikel Arteta took over, Arsenal found themselves in a difficult position. They finished eighth in the league that season, far from the top teams. Arteta concentrated on solving the basics. He brought discipline, better defense and a clear way of playing. In 2023, Arsenal challenged for the title but finished second behind Manchester City. In recent years the team has gone from strength to strength, with consistent wins and high winning percentages.
For example, as of January 2026, Arteta has achieved 200 wins in 326 games as manager, with a win rate of 61.4% – the best in Arsenal’s history. This shows real progress, even without trophies. The club owners saw this and gave him time to build up, unlike some teams that change managers quickly.
Developing young players
Arteta is great at spotting and growing young talent. Players like Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli have become stars under him. He gives them opportunities to play, allowing the team to save money on big transfers. Instead of buying ready-made stars, Arsenal are combining youth with smart signings such as Declan Rice and Kai Havertz.
This approach builds a team for the future. Fans love seeing homegrown players succeed, and it creates a strong bond with the club. Arteta’s faith in the youth makes Arsenal exciting to watch, with fast, attacking football. Without trophies, this development keeps the hope alive for long-term victories.
Improve performance and mentality
Arsenal’s results have improved year on year. They now compete in the Champions League regularly and often beat top teams. In the 2025-2026 season, they had a ten-match winning streak, including wins in Europe. Arteta has changed the mentality of the team from losers to fighters. They don’t give up in difficult matches and play with confidence.
Critics point to the lack of trophies, but the progress in terms of performance levels, team balance and mentality is clear. Arsenal are now closer to victory than they have been in years. This steady growth is why patience pays off, as evidenced by other managers such as Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool, who took his time to make big profits.
A long-term vision
Arteta has a clear plan for Arsenal. He wants to win, but in a sustainable way. The club supports him with transfers and facilities. Rushing for quick trophies can lead to mistakes like spending too much without a plan. Arteta’s vision includes modern tactics, data and player care.
Fans support this. Many say that Arteta is “cooking” and will soon win the league. One fan even met him and encouraged him to continue. This belief shows that the club made the right decision by not panicking in difficult times.
Fan and club support
Arsenal fans have largely remained behind Arteta. They see the bigger picture: a team rebuilding itself after years of struggle. The owners, like the Kroenke family, also trust him. This stability helps players focus on the field. Without support, managers fail. But with that, teams can achieve great things, just like Arteta. As one observer noted, Arsenal’s pre-season has put them on the brink of multiple trophies this season. This patience will bring trophies soon.
In short, Arsenal were right to keep Mikel Arteta. His work has transformed the club from mid-table to title challengers. While trophies are the goal, building them correctly takes time. With continued support, Arteta could end the drought and bring glory back to Arsenal. The future looks bright.
ENJOY THIS STORY?
Add Six Sports as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Mentioned in this article
#Mikel #Arteta #trusted #Arsenal #lack #trophies