Mikel Arteta has been named the Premier League Manager of the Year after guiding Arsenal to their first title in 22 years.
The Gunners manager beat Pep Guardiola, Andoni Iraola, Brentford’s Keith Andrews, Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris, and Manchester United’s Michael Carrick to the prize.
Arteta led Arsenal to their first title in 22 years after three second-placed finishes, topping the table since October and becoming champions with a game to spare.
He is the first Arsenal boss to win the Manager of the Season award since Wenger, who achieved it in each of his three title-winning campaigns (1997/98, 2001/02, and 2003/04).
The 44-year-old becomes the second Arsenal boss to win the award after Arsene Wenger, who picked up the prize following his three title-winning campaigns in 1998, 2002, and 2004.
Speaking after Arsenal lifted the Premier League trophy on Sunday, he admitted to previously having doubts over whether he was the man to take them to the title after their shortcomings in recent seasons.
”It was understanding that I was able to take them this far, but maybe someone else has to come and do the final job,” he told Sky Sports.
”But thank god we have done it. I feel a lot of joy and, honestly, a little bit of relief.”
Arteta will now look to guide Arsenal to an historic double as they take on Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday.
