MIKEL ARTETA has become the first Arsenal boss in Premier League history to be named manager of the month THREE times in the same season.
The Spaniard collected the award after his Arsenal side picked up seven points from three games to continue their pursuit of a first league title since 2004.
GettyMikel Arteta was named manager of the month for the third time this season[/caption]
The Gunners started January by dropping points for just the third time this season following a goalless draw with Newcastle.
But they responded with impressive wins over Tottenham and Manchester United, the latter thanks to Eddie Nketiah’s late goal, to get back on track.
Arteta‘s team now sit five points clear at the top with a game in hand on Manchester City, who they face later this month.
And the Gunners boss now has more manager of the month awards than Jose Mourinho and also former Tottenham man Mauricio Pochettino (4).
He’s still got some way before he catches Wenger’s overall record of 15 though.
And the ex-Arsenal manager isn’t even top of the pile.
That’s because Sir Alex Ferguson’s won an incredible 27 when he was at United.
But it’ll count for little if Arteta doesn’t lead the North Londoners to their fourth Premier League crown.
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And their next challenge is a trip to Everton on Saturday, where they’ll be up against Sean Dyche on his return to management.
Arsenal are overwhelming favourites for the points, but Goodison Park hasn’t proved a happy hunting ground for them in recent years.
They’re winless since a 5-2 victory back in October 2017 and have lost on three of their last four trips to Merseyside.