Mikel Arteta, the 44-year-old Arsenal manager, has won the title in his sixth full season at the Emirates and he will be eyeing up an era of dominance with the Gunners07:00, 20 May 2026First, the Premier League title, next the new contract, and then the dynasty. Mikel Arteta’s achievement should not be a crowning glory - although it is glorious - but the start of an era.‌When it comes to winning the league title in his sixth full season as a manager in English football’s top flight, the Arsenal boss is in good company. Sir Alex Ferguson won his first title, the first Premier League, in his sixth full season as Manchester United manager. Ferguson went on to win another 12 Premier League titles.‌No-one would suggest Arteta will go on to win another dozen more but do not back against this one being the first of many. Arteta has not long turned 44 and his enthusiasm for the job and vitality are something to behold.‌Pep Guardiola won his first La Liga as a manager when he was 38 and has won 11 more league titles. That Guardiola, whose team’s failure to beat Bournemouth confirmed Arsenal’s title win, is leaving English football just as Arteta celebrates the most significant moment of his managerial career seems particularly appropriate.Arteta, who served a three-and-a-half year managerial apprenticeship under Guardiola at Manchester City, shares many of his mentor’s qualities, not least an obsessive attention to detail.‌Some pundits might laugh at what they see as training ground gimmickry - a dog named Win and speakers blasting out Anfield anthems ahead of a trip to Liverpool - but Arteta is always looking for an edge, no matter how unconventional or subject to ridicule.Pep would approve. Pep is going and no matter how accomplished Enzo Maresca proves to be, City will be less formidable. Pep is irreplaceable.‌When Guardiola leaves after City’s final game of the season, against Aston Villa at the Etihad, Arteta will be the longest-serving manager in the Premier League. His current deal runs until the end of next season but a new one is a formality.Recently, key players - notably Bukayo Saka - have signed extended deals. Expect Declan Rice, the talisman of this successful Arsenal team, to be next.These players are not just buying into a great institution, they are buying into Arteta. This is a club and a management that knows where it is going.‌It has a certainty of direction that is missing from other clubs. And whether you like it or not, the team has a certainty of direction in the way it plays and in the way it makes itself competitive.Organisation, discipline and an array of high-class defenders have meant only 26 goals conceded in the Premier League and only six in the Champions League this season. Quite simply, that is a formidable foundation for success. And there are absolutely no reasons why Arsenal should be easier to beat next season.Article continues belowArteta himself has been on a learning curve at the top end of the Premier League since he signed at the Emirates. He is maturing as a manager. One of the most impressive things about the season - which, of course, still has that Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain to come - is the way he has coped with the almost relentless doubting of his and his team’s ability to get this Premier League win over the line. But that is what they have done.And it is not the completion of a job. It is the beginning of one.Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.