Ranking Every Arsenal Manager in the Modern Era

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Arsenal Football Club has been home to some of the most influential managers in football history, each leaving their mark on the club in different ways. From tactical masterminds to cup-winning legends, every Arsenal manager has shaped the club’s journey through triumphs and challenges. In this article, we’ll be ranking every Arsenal manager in the modern era, evaluating their impact based on trophies won, style of play, influence on the club’s legacy, and success in domestic and European competitions. Whether you admire the defensive solidity of George Graham, the attacking revolution of Arsène Wenger, or the tactical resurgence under Mikel Arteta, this ranking will spark plenty of debate among Gooners. Let’s dive in and determine who truly deserves the title of Arsenal’s greatest modern-era manager!

10. Bruce Rioch (1995-1996)

  • Win Percentage: 38.46%
  • Major Achievements: None
  • Key Transfers: ✅ Dennis Bergkamp, David Platt
  • Legacy: Short tenure, laid groundwork for Wenger’s revolution

Bruce Rioch‘s time as Arsenal manager in the modern era was brief but significant. Appointed in 1995 to replace George Graham, Rioch faced the challenge of rebuilding a team that had struggled in the league. His most notable contribution was the signing of Dennis Bergkamp, a move that would shape Arsenal’s future under Arsène Wenger. However, despite leading Arsenal to a fifth-place finish and UEFA Cup qualification, tensions with the board—particularly regarding transfer control—led to his dismissal after just one season.

While Rioch’s reign was far from glorious, it served as a transition period that set the stage for the club’s most successful modern era. Would Arsenal have landed Bergkamp without Rioch? Perhaps not. But as a manager, he lacked the authority and tactical evolution needed to take the club forward, which is why he ranks at the bottom of this list.

9. Unai Emery (2018-2019)

Unai Emery arrived at Arsenal in 2018 with the unenviable task of succeeding Arsène Wenger after 22 years in charge. His debut season showed promise, as Arsenal went on an unbeaten 22-game run and finished fifth in the Premier League, narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification. He also guided the club to the Europa League final, only to suffer a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Chelsea.

Despite his tactical flexibility, Emery struggled with defensive organization and often changed formations, leading to inconsistency on the pitch. His poor communication skills, particularly with key players like Mesut Özil, compounded his problems. By late 2019, Arsenal were winless in seven games, their worst run in over 25 years, leading to his dismissal.

While his tenure is often remembered for chaos and frustration, Emery did leave behind a stronger squad and introduced young talents like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli into the first team. However, his failure to implement a clear playing style and improve defensive stability ultimately places him near the bottom in our ranking of every Arsenal manager in the modern era.

8. George Swindin (1958-1962)

  • Win Percentage: 39.32%
  • Major Achievements: None
  • Key Transfers: ❌ No major signings
  • Legacy: Struggled to modernize Arsenal, no trophies, decline in league performance

George Swindin took charge of Arsenal in 1958, following his career as the club’s goalkeeper in the 1940s and early 50s. However, his time as Arsenal manager in the modern era was largely unsuccessful, as he failed to restore the club to its former glory. Despite starting well with a third-place finish in his first season, Arsenal’s performances steadily declined, finishing 11th, 13th, and finally 15th in his last campaign.

Swindin struggled tactically and was unable to adapt to the rapidly changing English football landscape. His teams lacked defensive stability and failed to compete with the dominant sides of the time, like Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley. Unlike some of his predecessors, Swindin did not leave a lasting tactical or cultural impact on the club, and his departure in 1962 paved the way for Arsenal’s next rebuild.

Although his tenure wasn’t disastrous, it was ultimately forgettable, and his failure to deliver silverware means he ranks low in our ranking of every Arsenal manager in the modern era.

7. Terry Neill (1976-1983)

Terry Neill became Arsenal’s youngest-ever manager at just 34 years old when he was appointed in 1976, taking over from Bertie Mee. A former Arsenal captain, Neill was tasked with reviving the club after a declining spell in the mid-70s. While he never mounted a serious league title challenge, he turned Arsenal into a formidable cup team, reaching three consecutive FA Cup finals (1978, 1979, and 1980), winning the famous 1979 final against Manchester United (3-2), often called the “Five-Minute Final.“

Under Neill, Arsenal also made their first major European final in nearly two decades, reaching the Cup Winners’ Cup final in 1980. However, they suffered heartbreak, losing on penalties to Valencia. Despite these cup runs, Arsenal never finished higher than third in the league, and by 1983, the club’s performances were declining. After a poor start to the season, he was dismissed.

Although Neill laid the groundwork for Arsenal’s future successes, his inability to bring sustained league success and his eventual decline leave him in seventh place in our ranking of every Arsenal manager in the modern era.

6. Bertie Mee (1966-1976)

Bertie Mee is best remembered for leading Arsenal to their first-ever League and FA Cup Double in 1970-71, a feat that cemented his place among the club’s greats. Originally a physiotherapist, Mee was a surprising appointment in 1966, but he quickly reshaped the club and built a team capable of competing at the highest level. His Arsenal side, featuring stars like Charlie George, Pat Rice, and Ray Kennedy, won the 1970 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, ending a 17-year trophy drought before securing the historic double in 1971.

Despite these successes, Mee’s later years were marked by decline. The breakup of his Double-winning squad, combined with an overly defensive approach, led to poor league performances and dressing-room unrest. Arsenal reached the FA Cup Final in 1972 but failed to win. By 1976, the club was struggling, and Mee stepped down.

Although his tenure ended on a disappointing note, Mee’s impact on Arsenal’s history is undeniable. His double-winning side set new standards for the club, and he remains one of Arsenal’s most influential managers. However, his struggles in the final years prevent him from ranking higher in our ranking of every Arsenal manager in the modern era.

5. Mikel Arteta (2019-Present)

Mikel Arteta took over Arsenal in December 2019 in one of the club’s most turbulent periods. The squad was in disarray, morale was low, and performances had drastically declined under Unai Emery. However, within eight months, Arteta led Arsenal to an FA Cup victory, defeating Manchester City in the semi-final and Chelsea in the final, securing European football for the following season.

Beyond silverware, Arteta’s biggest achievement has been revitalizing Arsenal’s identity. Under his leadership, Arsenal have developed into a tactically fluid, high-intensity team, blending youth and experience. His signings, particularly Martin Ødegaard, William Saliba, and Declan Rice, have transformed the club into genuine Premier League title challengers.

The 2022-23 season marked Arsenal’s resurgence, as they led the league for most of the campaign before finishing second behind Manchester City. Arteta’s side recorded Arsenal’s highest-ever Premier League points total (since the Invincibles) and returned to the Champions League for the first time in six years.

While he has yet to deliver a league title or European trophy, Arteta has built a long-term project that could define Arsenal’s future success. If he secures major silverware in the coming years, he has the potential to climb even higher in our ranking of every Arsenal manager in the modern era.

4. George Graham (1986-1995)

George Graham took charge of Arsenal in 1986 and immediately transformed the club into a disciplined, defensively solid powerhouse. Known for his meticulous tactics and emphasis on defensive structure, Graham built the legendary “famous back four” of Lee Dixon, Tony Adams, Steve Bould, and Nigel Winterburn, a unit that would define Arsenal’s resilience for over a decade.

His biggest triumph came in 1988-89, when Arsenal won their first league title in 18 years in dramatic fashion, defeating Liverpool at Anfield in the final game of the season with the iconic Michael Thomas last-minute goal. Two years later, he led Arsenal to another First Division title in 1990-91, losing just one game all season despite a points deduction.

Graham’s Arsenal became synonymous with defensive solidity, with the infamous “1-0 to the Arsenal” chant born under his tenure. While critics labeled his style as pragmatic and dull, it was undeniably effective. In 1993, he guided Arsenal to a domestic cup double, winning both the FA Cup and League Cup, and in 1994, he brought European glory, winning the Cup Winners’ Cup against Parma.

However, his tenure ended in controversy when he was dismissed in 1995 for financial misconduct, after being found guilty of accepting illegal payments related to a transfer deal. Despite this stain on his record, his impact on Arsenal was immense, laying the tactical foundation for the club’s future success under Arsène Wenger.

While his defensive style wasn’t always entertaining, his trophy haul, tactical discipline, and winning mentality make him one of Arsenal’s most successful modern managers, earning him 4th place in our ranking of every Arsenal manager in the modern era.

3. Herbert Chapman (1925-1934)

Herbert Chapman is often regarded as the greatest tactical innovator in Arsenal’s history and one of football’s first true managerial masterminds. Appointed in 1925, Chapman took over an Arsenal side with no major silverware and transformed them into the dominant force in English football.

His tactical revolution began with the introduction of the WM formation, which added an extra defender and revolutionized counter-attacking football. Under his guidance, Arsenal won their first-ever major trophy, lifting the FA Cup in 1930, followed by back-to-back First Division titles in 1930-31 and 1932-33.

Beyond his tactical brilliance, Chapman modernized Arsenal off the pitch. He introduced floodlights, advocated for shirt numbers, and pushed for the renaming of Gillespie Road station to Arsenal (now Arsenal Tube Station), making it the only London Underground station named after a football club.

Chapman tragically passed away in 1934, cutting short what could have been an even greater legacy. However, his influence shaped the club’s philosophy for decades, and his tactical innovations laid the foundation for Arsenal’s dominance in the 1930s and beyond.

While he managed in an era before modern football, his impact on Arsenal’s identity, tactics, and culture ensures his place in the top three of our ranking of every Arsenal manager in the modern era.

2. Tom Whittaker (1947-1956)

Tom Whittaker took over as Arsenal manager in 1947, succeeding George Allison, and immediately restored the club’s dominance in English football. Having previously been Arsenal’s trainer under Herbert Chapman, Whittaker’s deep understanding of the club’s tactical philosophy and player development made him the ideal leader during a challenging post-war period.

Under his guidance, Arsenal won the First Division title in 1947-48, just a year into his tenure, proving that he could maintain the winning mentality instilled by Chapman and Allison. Two years later, he secured the 1950 FA Cup, beating Liverpool 2-0 in the final, before guiding Arsenal to another league title in 1952-53, edging Preston North End on goal average in one of the closest title races in history.

Whittaker was known for his strong leadership and man-management skills, fostering a disciplined yet attacking side that competed at the highest level. However, by the mid-1950s, Arsenal struggled to keep up with new challengers, and after his untimely death in 1956, the club fell into a period of decline that lasted until the late 1960s.

Despite this, Whittaker remains one of Arsenal’s most decorated managers, and his ability to rebuild the club after WWII and keep them at the top of English football earns him the No. 2 spot in our ranking of every Arsenal manager in the modern era.

1. Arsène Wenger (1996-2018)

There is no debate about who deserves the No. 1 spot in our ranking of every Arsenal manager in the modern era—Arsène Wenger. When the Frenchman arrived in 1996 from Japan, few knew of his tactical genius, but he went on to redefine Arsenal, English football, and global football tactics.

The Wenger Revolution

Wenger introduced a new philosophy—a blend of technical brilliance, tactical intelligence, and fitness innovation. His first full season (1997-98) saw Arsenal win their first Premier League and FA Cup double, a feat they repeated in 2001-02. His teams were built around fluid, attacking football, with stars like Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, and Patrick Vieira dazzling the world.

The Invincibles (2003-04)

Wenger’s crowning achievement came in 2003-04, when Arsenal became the first team in 115 years to go an entire league season unbeaten, earning the nickname “The Invincibles.” Their 49-game unbeaten run remains one of the most incredible achievements in football history.

The Stadium Move & Financial Challenges

Wenger was instrumental in Arsenal’s move from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium in 2006, which required financial sacrifices. Despite limited budgets, he kept Arsenal competitive, qualifying for the Champions League for 19 consecutive seasons and reaching the 2006 Champions League final.

The FA Cup Specialist

Although the Premier League became more challenging post-2006, Wenger never stopped delivering silverware. He ended Arsenal’s nine-year trophy drought with the 2014 FA Cup, followed by two more in 2015 and 2017, making him the most successful FA Cup manager in history (7 titles).

The End of an Era (2018)

After 22 years, 3 Premier League titles, and 7 FA Cups, Wenger stepped down in 2018, leaving behind a footballing legacy unmatched by any other Arsenal manager. His influence extended far beyond trophies—he changed Arsenal’s identity, revolutionized English football tactics, and inspired countless managers worldwide.

Arsène Wenger

For his trophies, longevity, and total transformation of Arsenal Football Club, Arsène Wenger is undoubtedly the greatest Arsenal manager of the modern era.

Honorable Mentions

While our ranking of every Arsenal manager in the modern era focuses on those with the biggest impact, a few managers deserve special recognition for their contributions, even if they didn’t make the top 10.

❖ Don Howe (1983-1986)

  • Win Percentage: 39.86%
  • Legacy: A legendary coach who laid the tactical groundwork for Arsenal’s future successes. Though his tenure as manager wasn’t trophy-laden, he played a vital role in developing Arsenal’s youth players, including Tony Adams, David Rocastle, and Michael Thomas.

❖ Pat Rice (Caretaker Manager – 1996)

  • Win Percentage: 50%
  • Legacy: An Arsenal legend as both player and coach, Pat Rice stepped in as caretaker manager before Arsène Wenger’s arrival in 1996. More importantly, he remained Wenger’s assistant for 16 years, helping shape Arsenal’s most successful period.

❖ Freddie Ljungberg (Caretaker Manager – 2019)

  • Win Percentage: 16.67%
  • Legacy: Stepped in as interim manager after Unai Emery’s dismissal. While his tenure was brief, he helped stabilize the squad and supported the transition to Mikel Arteta.

❖ Steve Burtenshaw (Caretaker Manager – 1986)

  • Win Percentage: Not Available
  • Legacy: Took charge after Don Howe’s resignation, though results were poor. However, his temporary role paved the way for George Graham’s appointment, which led to Arsenal’s resurgence.

While these managers may not have enjoyed long or trophy-laden reigns, their influence on Arsenal’s legacy and development deserves recognition.

Final Thoughts

From Herbert Chapman’s tactical innovations to Arsène Wenger’s footballing revolution, Arsenal’s history has been shaped by a diverse array of managers—each leaving their mark in different ways. Some, like Wenger and Graham, brought glory and silverware, while others, like Mikel Arteta, continue to build towards future success. Even those who struggled, like Unai Emery and Bruce Rioch, played a role in Arsenal’s evolution.

What this ranking highlights is how Arsenal has constantly adapted to different eras, moving from Chapman’s WM formation, to Graham’s defensive steel, to Wenger’s attacking philosophy, and now, to Arteta’s modern tactical blueprint. While some managers are remembered for their trophies, others are valued for their long-term impact on the club’s identity, culture, and global stature.

As Mikel Arteta continues his journey, will he climb higher on this list in the coming years? Only time will tell. But one thing remains certain—Arsenal’s legacy is built on the shoulders of visionary managers who shaped football history.

📢 Who do you think is Arsenal’s greatest modern manager? Let us know in the comments and share this with a fellow Gooner! 🔴⚪

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