How Does Mikel Arteta Compare to Previous Arsenal Managers After 200 Games in Charge?

Saturday evening’s short trip across the capital to Brentford will mark a double century of games for Mikel Arteta as Arsenal manager. In light of the Spaniard reaching a commendable milestone, we take an in-depth look at Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal record so far, and how he compares to some of the club’s legendary figures to have reached 200 games.

Mikel Arteta Reaches 200 Games as Arsenal Manager

A total of 200 games in charge, or 199 at the time of writing, serves as a timely reminder of the faith Arsenal chose to put in Mikel Arteta, who arrived at the club having never held a leading managerial role.

A protege of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City is as good a credential as any, but it is easy to forget Arsenal’s transformation into potential title candidates was far from immediate.

The club stuck with him, even as things got worse before they got better, and his first full season in 2020-21 saw them reach a new low as they withered under the semblance of a team lacking any real bite or gusto. After 14 games, they dropped as low as four points above the relegation zone.

As history has shown however, there were always glimpses of a side capable of returning to their former glory. After reaching a century of games around this time two years ago, he was behind only to George Graham in terms of his overall managerial record.

It took him just 168 games to reach 100 wins in all competitions, building from 50 wins in 92. That should tell you all you need to know about the startling evolution of this blossoming team, who once again look ready to challenge for a first Premier League title in two decades.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal Record 

Of the nine managers to reach 200 games in charge of Arsenal, Arteta boasts the highest win percentage at 59.3%.

Across his first 199 games, Arteta has claimed 115 victories, drawn 34 and lost 50, putting him just ahead of the club’s most successful manager, Arsene Wenger, at the same stage of his career.

Mikel Arteta and Arsene Wenger’s Records Compared After 200 Games

Comparing Mikel Arteta to Arsene Wenger is somewhat of a misnomer given the latter had already lifted a Premier League and FA Cup double by the time he hit the 200-game milestone.

Arteta does have an FA Cup under his belt, but last season’s oh-so-nearly title bid crumbled at the final hurdle – perhaps a lesson learned? Only time will tell.

Courtesy of figures published by the Premier League, the table below compares Arteta and Wenger’s records after 200 games.

It is worth noting that although Arteta has more wins at this stage, Wenger’s record is actually better when translating it to points won. If Arsenal do find victory on Saturday against Brentford, Arteta will have amassed 382 points, while Wenger would still be ahead with 388.

Of course that is all hypothetical given the figures above include knockout competitions.