MIKEL ARTETA is set to return to Arsenal as manager this week and the former midfielder will be out to protect an incredible run carried over from his playing days at Emirates Stadium.
Hanging up his boots after five years in north London, Arteta struggled with ankle problems towards the end of his career.
Arteta ended his playing career amid troubling ankle injuriesCredit: AFP or licensors
The City assistant was back at the Emirates for Sunday’s Premier League clashCredit: Reuters
And yet, he put together an incredible run of form that Gunners fans will hope he picks up should he return as manager.
In his final two seasons as a player, whenever Arteta was fit to play he strung together a record of 15 wins, four draws and two defeats in domestic games.
That run was capped on the final day of the 2015/16 season when the Spaniard came off the bench in a win over Aston Villa.
In only a few minutes, he sealed the victory when darting into the box and smashing an effort home via the bar and goalkeeper Mark Bunn – going down as an own goal.
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A tearful Arteta left the pitch when the final whistle rang out moments later to call time on an excellent spell at the club.
In his last season, his appearances featured wins over Chelsea in the Community Shield and Tottenham as he lost one of his 13 domestic outings.
The previous year, 2014/15, featured another Community Shield, this time as captain in the 3-0 demolition of Manchester City.
It was with City where Arteta began his coaching career, as assistant to Pep Guardiola.
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And when it comes to accruing a winning mentality, there are not many better people to work under.
Reports suggest the new Arsenal boss will be unveiled this week amid talks between senior figures such as Josh Kroenke.
With it clear that his presence on the field was a major boost to the Gunners late on in his playing career, fans will be desperate for his impressive final record to be replicated from the dugout.
Mikel Arteta set for £5m Arsenal contract as he holds final talks with Josh Kroenke
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
