Mikel Arteta: A Victim of His Own Success at Arsenal

From “Nowhere Near” to Title Contenders – But Can the Fans Stay Loyal?

When Mikel Arteta returned to Arsenal in December 2019, few would have imagined the scale of transformation the Spaniard was about to oversee. From a fractured club, both on and off the pitch, to a Premier League powerhouse knocking on the door of greatness—it’s been one of the most remarkable managerial rebuilds in recent English football history.

Yet, as Paul Dickov recently put it, Arteta might just be a “victim of his own success”.

And he’s got a point.

The Foundations of a New Era

Let’s rewind the clock. When Arteta walked through the doors of the Emirates, Arsenal were languishing mid-table. The Unai Emery era had ended in uncertainty. The squad was bloated, unbalanced, and arguably disillusioned. The connection between fans and the club had deteriorated, with a toxic atmosphere often hanging over the Emirates like a dark cloud.

Arteta’s arrival was met with cautious optimism. A former club captain, returning as a rookie manager after working under Pep Guardiola, he seemed like a gamble. But it was a gamble that Arsenal’s board were willing to take—and now, it looks like it’s paid off. At least, in many ways.

Within months, Arteta delivered silverware, winning the FA Cup in the summer of 2020. A Community Shield followed shortly after. But more important than the trophies was something less tangible, yet far more valuable: a cultural reset.

Mentality Shift: From Pretenders to Contenders

Kai Havertz Declan Rice Arsenal 2025

One of the most significant changes Mikel Arteta has implemented is the mentality at Arsenal.

Gone are the days when Arsenal were seen as soft touches, as technically gifted but mentally fragile. Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have become hard to beat, resilient, structured, and perhaps for the first time in over a decade, feared.

He built from the back. William Saliba’s emergence, the leadership of Martin Ødegaard, the energy of Bukayo Saka, and the steel brought by Declan Rice—all hallmarks of a side that’s been carefully and thoughtfully assembled.

Let’s not forget, this is a young team. And they’re learning in real time, competing at the highest level.

The stats back it up: three straight top-two finishes in the Premier League, and a Champions League semi-final appearance in the 2024-25 season. The Gunners pushed Manchester City and Liverpool all the way, often taking the fight to them head-on.

So Why the Pressure?

Despite all the progress, there’s a growing sense among fans and pundits that the time for “almost” is running out. As Dickov said in his recent comments, the 2025-26 season feels like make-or-break for Mikel Arteta.

“It is,” Dickov told GOAL. “I think Mikel has been the victim of his own success. If you look at where the club were when he took over, it’s virtually a brand new team. He has changed the mentality of the club.”

Indeed. Arsenal fans, now re-energised and engaged, are no longer content with being the plucky underdogs. They’ve had a taste of the top, and now they want the full meal.

It’s a fair demand. This is Arsenal Football Club, one of the most successful and historic clubs in England. And while fans have been patient, especially considering the steady progress, the longer the trophy drought continues, the more uncomfortable the conversations around Mikel Arteta’s future will become.

Summer Reinforcements & the No.9 Dilemma

If there’s one glaring issue still haunting this side, it’s the lack of a prolific No.9.

Gabriel Jesus, while technically brilliant and hardworking, hasn’t quite delivered the numbers expected from a leading striker. Eddie Nketiah has shown flashes, but consistency remains a concern. Kai Havertz impressed in a hybrid role, but he’s still not the natural poacher that Arsenal need.

The Gunners are very much in the market this summer. A proper centre-forward—someone who can bag 25+ goals a season—could be the missing puzzle piece in Mikel Arteta’s project.

Because while Arsenal’s wide forwards are electric and the midfield dynamic, title-winning sides almost always have a reliable striker to carry them through the fine margins.

Think Drogba. Think Aguero. Think Haaland. That’s the kind of profile Arsenal may need to truly break through.

Fans Back on Board – For Now

Paul Dickov Mikel Arteta

One of Mikel Arteta’s biggest successes, as Dickov rightly pointed out, is the reconnection between the club and its supporters.

“The fans, there was a big disparity between the fans and the team when he came in. He has brought that back,” Dickov said.

It’s true. The Emirates is no longer the tense, moody arena it once was. It’s loud, proud, and united. The chants, the tifos, the away day support—Arsenal fans have bought into this team. They see a group of players who give everything, who represent the badge with pride.

But football is a results business. If another season ends without silverware, especially with the likes of City and Liverpool in transition, questions will be asked. The goodwill, as strong as it currently is, won’t last forever without trophies.

A Defining Season Ahead

Arsenal will spend their pre-season in Asia, building fitness and team cohesion while engaging with their massive global fanbase. One of the highlights will be a mouth-watering clash against rivals Tottenham—a mini North London Derby to get the blood flowing before the real thing kicks off.

Then, on August 17, they’ll travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United. A blockbuster opener if ever there was one.

The season ahead isn’t just about competing—it’s about delivering. Mikel Arteta knows this. The players know it too.

The expectations are higher than ever. But then again, that’s what Mikel Arteta built. He turned a faltering, mid-table side into one of Europe’s most watchable and dangerous outfits. He brought hope back to the red half of North London.

Now he just has to bring the silver.

And if he does? He won’t just be a good Arsenal manager. He’ll be a great one.

But if he doesn’t—well, even the most loyal supporters have their limits.

Time will tell whether Mikel Arteta will be remembered as the architect of a new Arsenal dynasty or as the nearly man who just couldn’t quite get over the final hurdle.