Top 10 greatest Arsenal managers of all time
Founded in October 1886, Arsenal are one of the greatest English clubs of all time. They have won numerous trophies in their 137-year-old history. They are a part of the big four clubs in English football alongside Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea.
While the Gunners have struggled to replicate their success from the past in recent times, they have still managed to win domestic cup competitions. Over the years, they have boasted of some incredible players like Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Tony Adams, Cesc Fabregas, and many more.
However, their success can also be attributed to some legendary managers who have taken charge of such Arsenal sides. These managers have not only led the Gunners to success but also helped establish a clear playing style, which is entertaining for the fans as well.
On that note, let’s take a look at the Greatest Arsenal managers of all time:
10. Don Howe
Initially joining as a caretaker manager in 1983, Don Howe became the permanent manager of Arsenal in 1984. He spent two more years as manager but couldn’t win a trophy. However, he still had a big impact as he introduced a young Tony Adams to the first team, who went on to become one of the best defenders in the club’s history.
Don Howe was one of the Greatest Arsenal managers and played for the Gunners between 1964 and 1966.
9. Terry Neill
Terry Neill spent a decade as a player at the north London side before leaving in 1970. He eventually joined them as a manager in 1976, becoming the then-youngest Arsenal manager at 34.
He led them to three consecutive FA Cup finals in 1978, 1979 and 1980. They won the one in 1979, beating Manchester United in the final. They also reached the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup final in 1980 but they lost against Valencia on penalties.
Neill also helped them to their best finish in the English top flight in a decade (3rd). He was eventually sacked after a string of poor performances in 1983.
8. Mikel Arteta
The current Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is also on the list of Greatest Arsenal managers in terms of success so far. Having previously played as a midfielder, he was appointed the Gunners manager in 2019 after Unai Emery’s sacking. It was his first senior managerial job.
Arteta led them to an FA Cup trophy in his first season itself, winning the consequent Community Shield as well. While they had some poor finishes in the Premier League initially, he turned them into title contenders, failing to win it in two attempts.
The Spaniard also helped them win the 2023 Community Shield.
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7. Harry Bradshaw
Harry Bradshaw became the manager of Woolwich Arsenal in 1899 and stayed in charge for five years. He led them to their first-ever promotion to the First Division after they finished second in the 1903-04 season.
He also brought in some club legends like Jimmy Ashcroft, Jimmy Jackson, and Archie Cross.
6. George Allison
Allison joined the north London side in January 1934 after the sudden death of legendary manager Herbert Chapman. He went on to manage the side for 13 years due to his continued success.
Allison helped them win three league titles, one FA Cup, and two Charity Shields. While he generally stayed away from the day-to-day activities of the players and focused more on things like transfers, he brought immense success to the club.
The famous club chant ‘One-nil to the Arsenal’ is also credited to have been introduced by George Allison.
5. Tom Whittaker
Tom Whittaker played for the north London side for six years between 1919 and 1925. He was forced to retire due to a knee injury. He worked under Chapman and Alisson before he eventually became the manager in 1947 and served for nine years.
Whittaker helped them win two league titles and a FA Cup. However, he died of a heart attack in October 1956 while he was still in charge of the club.
4. Bertie Mee
Bertie Mee was appointed as the club’s manager in 1966. He led them to their first trophy in 17 years, which was also their first-ever European trophy, in 1970 when they won the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
Mee then also helped them to a double in 1971 as they won the league and the FA Cup. The league win was extra special for Arsenal fans as they won the title at White Hart Lane – the home of their arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Mee left the club in 1976, ending a decade-long stint.
3. George Graham
George Graham played for the Gunners between 1966 and 1972. He then returned as manager in 1986 and led them to their first league title (1988-89) since he was a player at the club.
Graham brought in some absolute club legends like David Seaman, Lee Dixon, and Ian Wright. He won one more league title, one FA Cup, two League Cups, one Community Shield, and one Cup Winners’ Cup.
Graham was eventually banned for a year after he took a bribe from an agent, leaving the club in 1995.
2. Herbert Chapman
Among the best arsenal managers of all time, Herbert Chapman was appointed Arsenal manager in 1925 and led them until his sudden death in January 1934. He won two First Division titles, one FA Cup, and three Charity Shields.
Despite not winning as many trophies as some of the aforementioned managers on this list, Chapman’s legacy at the club is immense. He was the first one to introduce tactics like a midfielder dropping into defense and adding counter-attacking elements to his side.
Chapman also introduced the iconic red and white sleeves on the kit and was also one of the first managers in English football to consider signing black and foreign players. He was a highly tactical manager and also demanded great fitness from his players.
Also Read: 10 Greatest English Managers of All-Time
1. Arsene Wenger
Without a doubt, Arsene Wenger is one of the greatest managers in Arsenal history. He took over as manager in 1996 and led them to immense success, helping the club become one of the powerhouses in English football.
Under Wenger, the Gunners won three Premier League titles, seven FA Cups, and seven Community Shields. Being the first non-British manager at the club, the Frenchman also attracted many foreign players like Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Cesc Fabregas, and many more.
Wenger’s side were incredibly entertaining to watch and matched it with success as well. One of his Premier League title wins was the iconic 2003-04 ‘Invincibles’ season where they didn’t lose a single league game for the entire campaign. It was also the last time they won the league title.
Wenger eventually left the club in 2018.
FAQs
Q. Who is Arsenal’s best-ever manager?
A. Arsene Wenger – He won three league titles (including one Invincible title), seven FA Cups, and seven Community Shields.
Q. Which Arsenal manager won the most league titles?
A. Arsene Wenger – He won three titles in 1997-98, 2001-02, and 2003-04.