Mikel Arteta's "get found out" threat has helped him make a mockery of Arsenal critics

When Mikel Arteta was appointed Arsenal boss in December 2019, questions were naturally raised of whether he had the necessary experience to lead one of the Premier League 's greatest clubs.

Compared to the likes of Carlo Ancelotti, Massimiliano Allegri, Nuno Espirito Santo and Brendan Rodgers - the other names on the Gunners' shortlist at the time - the Spaniard was very much the new kid on the management block. Yet Arteta did not take long to announce himself, steering the North Londoners to FA Cup glory just eight months into the job.

Fast forward two seasons and the former midfielder is leading the charge towards qualification for the Champions League, a competition Arsenal have not participated in since the 2016/17 campaign. There has, of course, been rough with smooth; an eighth-placed finish last season left the Gunners without European football for the first time in 25 years.

However, even as Arsenal languished in 15th at Christmas in 2020, Emirates chiefs decided against a mid-season change of manager, sensing Arteta could turn things around. They have since reaped the rewards of their decision, sticking by a youthful coach who understands the club inside-out and is going strength to strength as he applies all he learned as Pep Guardiola 's deputy at Manchester City.

Rather than a hindrance, Arteta views his youthfulness as a key asset which has helped him transform the culture of a club which was in the doldrums at the time of Unai Emery's sacking. Indeed, the 40-year-old believes he would have been "found out very quickly" if it was not for his lively attitude. "Well, you have to realise that when you come through the door each morning they are going to be testing you," Arteta told Arsenal's official