Mikel Arteta did not have the smoothest start when he first took charge of Arsenal, with results and performances taking time to improve.
However, patience has paid off, and the Spaniard has gradually rebuilt the team into genuine contenders both domestically and in Europe.
While a major trophy has not arrived since the FA Cup success in 2020, there is now a strong feeling around the club that silverware is within reach, with the progress made in recent seasons having lifted expectations and restored belief among supporters.
Arteta’s growing connection with the fanbase became more noticeable after the 2021–22 campaign, which proved to be a key moment in shaping his time at the club, and from that point on, backing for the Spaniard’s long-term vision only strengthened.
As confidence in the project increased, so too did the atmosphere around the team, eventually leading to the creation of a chant dedicated to the manager.
For everything you need to know about the Arteta chant, including the lyrics and tune, read on.
Mikel Arteta chant lyrics and tune
The Mikel Arteta chant has changed slightly over the years. Below is the version that Arsenal fans sang when it was first created:
We’ve got Super Mik Arteta,
He knows exactly what we need,
Tierney at the back,
Gabi in attack,
Arsenal on the way to Champions League
Mikel Arteta – Photo by IMAGO / Sportsphoto[/caption]
Mikel Arteta chant background
As mentioned, this football chant has been modified over time, due to the fact that Kieran Tierney has since been moved on and that Arsenal's ambitions are now far higher than simply qualifying for the Champions League.
The lyrics we listed above were from a time when qualifying for the Champions League felt like ambition at the Emirates Stadium. The lyrics have since changed to ‘Gabi at the back, Gabi in attack' and either ‘Arsenal are gonna win the league or ‘Arsenal are gonna win the Champions League' depending on what competition they are playing in at the time.
The original chant was created in the midst of a culture shift that was being driven by Arteta. Even if he doesn't end up ever winning the Premier League, he will always have a special connection with the club's supporters due to the fact that he made them believe again.
Arsenal fans singing the Mikel Arteta chant
FGG says: A product of its time
In many ways, the birth of this chant at the end of the 2021/22 season was the start of Arsenal fans' renewed positive relationship with the club. Ever since, the Arsenal songbook has seemingly expanded, with new chants emerging for different players almost weekly.
While the chant is now modified, the original should be a reminder to Arsenal fans of how far they've come.