25 November 2023 , 08:30
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Mikel Arteta will take charge of his 200th match in charge of Arsenal against Brentford this afternoon - and he has already accumulated more wins at that milestone than his most successful predecessor in north London.
The Basque boss, 41, has turned Arsenal back into genuine title contenders 20 years on from their most recent league triumph. And his total number of wins eclipses Arsene Wenger, who managed at least three fewer, 200 games into his reign.
But there is a twist - the Frenchman had significantly fewer defeats and had landed four pieces of silverware by that stage before continuing for another 1,035 matches in charge.
Wenger had already won the Premier League and FA Cup double, in 1998/99, by the time he hit 200 games, while Arteta has won the Cup.
Speaking before today’s visit of the Bees to Emirates Stadium, Arteta said that he would love to remain in charge for another 300 matches.
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Wenger and Bertie Mee are the only bosses to have reached 500 games in charge of Arsenal, with George Graham, Herbert Chapman and Tom Whittaker each passing 400.
All five men brought the league title to Highbury and Arteta knows he will need to do the same if he is to reach such a lengthy stay.
"I am really proud to reach that number,” Arteta said. “In a big club it’s always difficult. That means you have to win a lot of games and hopefully there are more positive things to come. So many people have contributed in a massive way for me to be here almost for four years. A big thank you to all of them.
"They have been instrumental to lift me in the difficult moments, to inspire me, to make me better, to give me support and to give me much joy every single day to be working with them. Do I want another 200? Yes - or 300! But the most important thing is our job tomorrow. That’s what matters."
Arteta confirmed that Aaron Ramsdale will start in goal against Brentford today with David Raya ruled out as part of the terms of his loan agreement, while Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus and Ben White all face fitness tests.