It is still staggering that, when Arsenal were mired in such mediocrity, they went for a rookie who had not yet experienced the full responsibility of being in charge of a team. That is one hell of a leap of faith.
Mikel Arteta promised his all. Arsenal promised patience, trust and backing.
The rewards were tangible as Arsenal lifted the Premier League trophy last season and established themselves as a continental force to be reckoned with, pushing Paris Saint-Germain to penalties in the Champions League final.
Reflecting on Arsenal of December 2019 compared to today, those difficult days feel like listening to music through muffled ears or observing an artwork through distortion glasses. Everything is sharper now because one man came back to a club he loved and polished every possible aspect.
@amylawrence71 on the cultural reset Arteta has brought to Arsenal — free to read ⬇️
https://t.co/l0fFwK7ww3
🚨 Mikel Arteta agrees new Arsenal contract. #AFC boss into last year of deal but all sides aimed to extend since talks started in spring; improved terms now in place for 44yo & coaching staff also in process of renewing @TheAthleticFC post @SamiMokbel_BBC https://t.co/eYtlzKBPY3
30 years on from a monumental day in @Arsenal's history ❤️
On this day in 1996, Arsène Wenger was announced as Arsenal manager. He went on to become the most successful manager in FA Cup history with seven titles to his name 🏆