Mikel Arteta closing on huge Arsenal milestone | OneFootball

Sunday's meeting with Manchester United will see Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reach 200 games as a Premier League manager.

The Gunners took a big risk when they hired Arteta in December 2019. While widely respected at the time, Arteta had never managed a team and had just three years of experience as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City to his name.

Things were not always smooth in the early stages but Arteta has quickly re-established Arsenal as genuine contenders in the Premier League title race, with his return of 118 victories from 199 games leaving him in esteemed company.

Guardiola won 146 of his first 200 games in the English top flight, more than any manager has ever managed in their first 200 outings.

Jose Mourinho recorded 137 victories during his first 200 outings with Chelsea, while former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp managed 127. The legendary Sir Alex Ferguson sits fourth on 122, with Arteta just behind in fifth.

It's a significant milestone for Arteta but one which may not interest the Arsenal boss as he seeks three points against United on Sunday to keep his side's slim hopes of a late Premier League title charge alive.

Arsenal sit 13 points behind Liverpool, having played one game fewer than Arne Slot's side, and could see that gap extend this weekend when the Reds face Southampton on Saturday.