Premier League pace-setters Arsenal remain arguably the biggest talking point in recent months after their resurgence as a genuine title contender in the 2022-23 season as the Gunners remain five points clear at the top of the English footballing pyramid while closing on their first league win in nearly 20-years.
Two central figures that have turned trust in a project into tangible evidence to suggest that the glory days in north London are set to return, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and Hale End Academy product Bukayo Saka, have helped redefine the club both on and off the pitch in the past year and have received just rewards for their contributions at London Football Awards.
Arteta took home Manager of the Year honors, while Saka’s emergence to stardom saw him clean up the Young Player of the Year award.
Mikel Arteta has been named Manager of the Year at the London Football Awards #afc pic.twitter.com/MLGTbbzRSr
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley) March 13, 2023
Upon receiving the award, Arteta – who recently won his 100th match in charge at Arsenal while now boasting the highest win percentage among long-term club managers – thanked the club, the players, and the fans that ”inspire and support” him on a daily basis.
As for Saka, the budding star was as humble as ever during his awards speech, commenting on what it means to grow up in the shadow of the Emirates and make it at Arsenal as a born-and-bred London native.
“I just want to say thank you to everyone for voting for me for this award. Thank you to Willow as well; a very special charity. I am really proud to win this. Of course, I want to dedicate it to all the children that have grown up in London with big dreams. You know, I was once in their shoes, and it’s always nice to remember that. Obviously, it just makes winning things like this even more special. So, I am really grateful to everyone for voting for me and recognizing me with this award. Thank you again.”
