Arteta's reign 'like something out of a previous age'
[Getty Images] BBC Radio 5 Live's chief football correspondent John Murray says we have seen "a different Mikel Arteta" this season as he led Arsenal to the Premier League title in his sixth full campaign in charge. "I think that it's been difficult for them to get over the line because it's been such a long time," he told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "Also, because of the way they have chosen is the best way to go about this.
"It is like Mikel Arteta decided, 'if we're going to do it, we have to do it our way'. "That is not a popular way, and that is why they have faced a lot of ridicule from the outside during the course of this season. "When Declan Rice was seen on the pitch after the Manchester City defeat saying 'it's not over', he was ridiculed for that.
They actually found form in that match and haven't lost since. This way has given them a resilience. "This is Arteta's first managerial job and he's been given six-and-a-half years, it's like something out of a previous age.
It's 351 matches and they've stuck with him, he's had the time. "We speak all the time about managers needing time and, yes they've spent money as well, but he's found a way. "I feel like he's been different as a manager this season.
We've seen a different Arteta. One example is when they lost at home to Manchester United and I was expecting him to be prickly as he often has been after results like that. "Instead, he really came out punching.