Mikel Arteta Appointed New Arsenal Manager

Mikel Arteta has been revealed as the new manager of Arsenal after leaving his role as assistant manager at Manchester City.

The Gunners have been on the hunt for a new manager since sacking Unai Emery at the end of last month, with Freddie Ljungberg in charge as interim boss since, and have finally appointed a full time successor.

Arteta was interviewed for the role over 18 months ago when Arsene Wenger left and looked likely to get the job but the club changed their mind and went for Emery instead.

Arteta talking to Guardiola on the City bench. Image: PA Images

The former Sevilla manager reached the Europa League final, only to lose to Chelsea, and finished fifth in the Premier League but the start of the season saw him lose his job.

Losing to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League was the seventh game in a row without a win and saw Emery lose his job.

Ljungberg, who was part of the previous manager's backroom staff, took over but results haven't really improved under the Swede with just one win in five matches, coming against West Ham in the league.

The club have decided that their long term future should be put in the hands of another former player in the shape of Arteta, who has never managed.

The former Everton midfielder ended his playing career at the Emirates in 2016 but he left north London for Manchester City that July to become one of Pep Guardiola's assistants.

He's been a major part of Guardiola's setup since and has even been known to take charge of managing the team on occasion, leading many to believe the 37-year-old would be considered as Pep's replacement when he does eventually leave the Etihad.

Ljungberg has been in charge for nearly a month. Image: PA Images

Arsenal's form this season has seen them drop to 10th place in the league, below Sheffield United, Wolves and Crystal Palace, and it certainly won't be an easy job for Arteta to turn things around, although they are only seven points off the top four.

Amongst his to do lists will be working out what to do with both Mesut Ozil and Granit Xhaka, who have both had on field problems, get the best out of summer signing Nicolas Pepe and sure up the defence.

Will Arteta be a success at Arsenal?

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

@Sidler28