Sunday saw us bid farewell to Arsenal’s lego haired Spaniard – despite only 4 years at the club, his loss feels like one of the cornerstones of Wenger’s reign is departing us.
Signed in a frenzy following the 8-2 humiliation at Old Trafford, the ex Everton man provided a steady head and leadership in the middle of the park, taking on the role of the spare midfielder as he chipped in with six goals and a couple of assists.
That season also provided his first chance to captain the side as he did in the victory over Leeds. What was also notable was the accuracy of his passing – like a metronome, he ticked Arsenal over with a passing rate of 90.8% in the Premier League. Arteta’s first season was excellent overall as he and a couple of others dragged us over the line for Champions League football.
2012/13 was where the resolve was really tested; the departures of Van Persie and Alex Song promoted Arteta to vice captain, a role he took on with great aplomb. Song’s departure also meant he moved into the holding midfielder role, where his discipline and passing accuracy were much appreciated. He again chipped in with six goals as Arsenal fans voted him fourth in the ‘Player of the Season’ poll, picking up seven man of the match awards (Squawka).
Mikel’s 2013/14 campaign was slightly hampered by injuries and red cards, but he continued his fine form when he was on the pitch, even captaining Arsenal in the FA Cup final victory over Hull to deliver Arsenal’s first piece of silverware in eight years.
As time passes, however the legs begin to go from every player and Arteta, on occasion, couldn’t keep up with the rigours of the Premier League. He was given the captain’s armband after Thomas Vermaelen’s departure, but watched much of the campaign from the bench as he only started six games. Still, he was an important influence in the dressing room as Arsenal won a successive FA cup.
Alas, Arteta’s final season was riddled with calf and ankle problems as he struggled for fitness. While injured, however, reports that he was coaching the under-16 team, had fans optimistic about a future role at the club. Coming off the bench just nine times in the campaign, it was fitting that his last action was to score (in our eyes) late on in Sunday’s fixture. Leaving the pitch in tears and receiving a standing ovation from the Stadium, it was a perfect end to his Arsenal career.
Arteta came in at a time of jeopardy, steadied the ship, put in some top shifts, scored memorable goals and inspired the team to two FA cup wins. Thank you, Mikel.
YouTube: Mikel Arteta – The Maestro Of Arsenal (Djamel Mehdaoui)
