Mikel Arteta has exceeded the achievements of iconic managers like Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger regarding the win rate in London derby matches.
In the early hours of February 23, the victory over Tottenham in round 27 not only secured crucial points for Arsenal but also marked a historic milestone for Mikel Arteta in the Premier League, achieving the highest winning percentage in London derbies during the league era.
According to statistics with a minimum of 20 derby matches, Arteta holds a 60.8% win rate in London derbies in the Premier League. After 69 matches, the Spanish coach has recorded 42 victories – matching Jose Mourinho’s record of 42 wins in 70 derby games.
If we consider the total number of wins, only Arsene Wenger ranks above Arteta, with 106 wins from 194 derbies. However, in terms of winning percentage, Arteta now surpasses both icons, indicating the consistency of Arsenal under his leadership in London derbies.
Beyond personal achievements, Arsenal also reached a notable milestone against Tottenham: for the first time in the Premier League era, the Gunners have won five consecutive matches against their city rivals. This winning streak includes scores of 3-2, 1-0, 2-1, 2-1, and 4-1, showing a clear dominance in the North London derby in favor of Arsenal.
In the derby on the early morning of February 23, Arsenal impressed by starting quickly and dominating early. The Gunners took 12 shots in the first half – the highest number in the opening 45 minutes of a North London derby since Opta began recording stats in 2003. Active play, control, and continuous pressure remain hallmarks of Arteta’s approach in big games.
The winning streak against Tottenham, along with Arteta’s remarkable statistics, confirms that Arsenal is maturing. Amid significant pressure on both Arsenal and Arteta in the title race, the recent 4-1 victory serves as both encouragement and relief for the coach and the team.
The Premier League race is far from over, but in London overall and North London specifically, Arsenal currently holds a dominant position.