Mikel Arteta's Premier League title-winning campaign has reignited debate around where the Arsenal boss ranks among world football's elite managers, with former Gunners defender Philippe Senderos believing the Spaniard now deserves serious consideration among the very best.
After years of rebuilding at Emirates Stadium, Arteta has finally guided Arsenal back to domestic supremacy while also keeping alive hopes of a historic Champions League triumph. It marks a major moment in a journey that began in December 2019, when Arsenal handed the club's former captain his first senior managerial role after his apprenticeship under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
The question surrounding Arteta for several years was never whether Arsenal were improving. It was whether they could take the final step and convert progress into major silverware.
That question has now largely been answered.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal project reaches its biggest milestone
Arteta inherited a club still searching for identity following Arsene Wenger’s departure and Unai Emery’s difficult spell in charge.
Over six years, Arsenal gradually evolved from a side battling inconsistency into one capable of sustaining title challenges. After three consecutive runner-up finishes behind Manchester City and Liverpool, the breakthrough finally arrived.
Former Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos believes crossing that final hurdle changes the conversation around Arteta completely.
“I think if you had one goal when you hire a young coach, it’s for him to develop the team and to make them title contenders. So, he was doing this until now and now he’s actually won the Premier League with this team and this squad.” — Philippe Senderos
He added:
“Who is capable of winning the Premier League? Not many in the world, so definitely he has a lot of credit for this.” — Philippe Senderos
Having followed Arsenal closely this season, one of the clearest signs of Arteta’s development has been the flexibility within his team. Earlier Arsenal sides often looked dependent on controlling matches in one particular way, whereas this version appears comfortable adapting to different situations.
However, long-term managerial rankings often shift quickly and sustained success usually determines whether coaches establish true elite status.
Arsenal’s evolution goes beyond set-pieces
Arsenal have become widely associated with their strength from dead-ball situations, but Senderos believes that reputation oversimplifies what Arteta has built.
The Gunners have constructed one of the league’s strongest defensive foundations while combining tactical discipline with efficiency in key moments.
| Arsenal success factors | 2025/26 impact |
|---|---|
| Defensive organisation | Platform for consistent results |
| Set-piece efficiency | Unlocked tight matches |
| Squad depth | Maintained title challenge |
| Tactical flexibility | Adapted across competitions |
Source: Season analysis – 21 May 2026
Senderos rejected suggestions that Arsenal’s set-piece dominance alone explains their success.
“It’s not a one-trick pony. They’ve scored many, many different types of goals from set-pieces.” — Philippe Senderos
Key Points
- Mikel Arteta guided Arsenal to the Premier League title
- Philippe Senderos believes he now belongs in elite coaching discussions
- Arsenal remain in contention for Champions League success
- The Gunners' tactical development extends beyond set-piece strength
- Arsenal face PSG in the Champions League final on 30 May
What's next
Arsenal still have the opportunity to transform an already memorable season into one of the greatest in club history.
The Premier League trophy will be lifted following the final domestic fixture before attention shifts to Budapest and a Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on 30 May. Victory there would bring Arsenal their first European Cup and further strengthen Arteta's growing legacy.
For a manager once viewed as an ambitious project appointment, the conversation has moved from potential to achievement.
If Arteta wins the Champions League as well, does he move beyond the top-five debate altogether?
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