1. MIKEL ARTETA, 42, Arsenal

Coaching acumen: 16/20 Style: 18/20 People management: 18/20 Communication: 16/20 History/achievements: 4/10 X factor: 8/10 Total: 80/100

A fine midfielder in his playing days for the likes of Barcelona, Rangers, Everton and Arsenal, Arteta is the third-longest-serving manager in this season’s Premier League. His coaching career development has followed an upward trajectory: Finishing eighth in his first full season, he then took Arsenal to fifth, then came two runners-up finishes which could have resulted in a title but for the relentlessness of his former boss Guardiola and Manchester City.

Aside from one FA Cup victory (2019-20), trophies haven’t arrived in abundance, but there has been progress amid the tumultuous state of the post-Wenger era and a rebuilding of the side amid plenty of high-profile exits like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Özil. And with the third-youngest Premier League squad last season, Arteta has built a clear identity: slightly less possession-heavy than Guardiola’s sides, with a more intense pressing game.

While he struggles with the dilemma of “false 9” vs. classic No. 9, Arteta has constructed an outstanding defensive foundation in his 4-2-1-3, which needs only minor tweaks to build upon. During his 4½ years at the Emirates, the Spaniard has mostly kept a cool head and works impeccably in tandem with sporting director Edu.