Mikel Arteta has established himself as one of the Premier League’s finest managers, transforming Arsenal into a team capable of challenging for the biggest honours in English and European football.

Since taking charge in December 2019, Arteta has delivered defining moments that have strengthened his legacy in North London.

Here, we rank the top five moments that have defined the Spaniard’s coaching career at the Emirates Stadium.

5. COMEBACK FOR THE AGES AGAINST BOURNEMOUTH

It was memorable night at the Emirates Stadium on March 4, 2023 as Arsenal came from behind  from two-goal down to beat Bournemouth 3-2 in the Premier League.

Reiss Nelson’s last-minute strike deep in the stoppage time delivered maximum points for the Gunners after goals from Thomas Partey and Ben White inspired the comeback. 

Nelson and White came on as substitutes in the encounter with the duo combining for the equaliser before Nelson fired home a dramatic winner from the edge of the penalty area. 

4. DOMINATING REAL MADRID

In April 2025, Arteta led Arsenal to stun reigning European champions Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in the UEFA Champions League. 

Before securing a 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Gunners staged a masterclass against the Spanish giants at the Emirates Stadium. 

After a well-controlled and goalless first 45 minutes, Declan Rice shone in the game with two well-taken free-kicks and Mikel Merino was also among the goals. 

The encounter epitomised the tactical decision of Arteta following the impact of his substitutes.

 Arteta’s tactics ensured Arsenal avoided defeat and also did not concede against a power line-up that included Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.

3. REACHING CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL

A place in the UEFA Champions League final made the 2025-26 season a memorable campaign for the Gunners. 

Although they lost the final against Paris Saint-Germain, the Gunners’ run on the European stage was impeccable. 

They did not lose any game on their way to the Budapest final and they showed defensive composure against a strong Atletico Madrid in the semi-final. 

They fought for a 1-1 draw in Madrid and they hold on to a first-half lead at Emirates Stadium to advance into the Champions League final for the first time since 2006. 

2. EARLY FA CUP GLORY WITH WIN OVER CHELSEA

Arteta became the first Arsenal manager to win a silverware in his first season in charge of the club after beating Chelsea 2-1 in the FA Cup. 

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s brace at an empty Wembley Stadium secured the victory against the London rivals.

It was Arsenal’s 14th FA Cup triumph and it was a personal milestone for Arteta who became the first person to win the oldest trophy in England as both captain and coach of Arsenal. 

1. ENDING TWO-DECADE WAIT FOR PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE

After three cosmetics finishes in second-place, Arsenal’s Premier League triumph in the 2025-26 season was the ultimate payoff for the trust in Mikel Arteta’s project.

The Gunners secured the English top-flight for the first time since the 2003-04 with a game to spare after Manchester City were held to a draw by Bournemouth. It was the ultimate reward for Arteta’s instinct in North London.