Mikel Arteta says he ‘absolutely loves’ being the head coach of Arsenal and is confident he will still be in management, preparing for a Boxing Day fixture, a decade down the line. The 42-year-old Spaniard returned to Arsenal in December 2019, picking up the pieces from Unai Emery and his fellow countryman’s turbulent 18-month reign at the Emirates.
![[Crystal Palace FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2190953714.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Over the last five years, Arteta has helped steer the Gunners back towards the top of the tree in the Premier League, while leading the club to silverware in both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup. This season, Arsenal sit in third in the English top flight, six points behind league leaders Liverpool and two points adrift of second-placed Chelsea after 17 games.
![[Arsenal v Chelsea - FA Cup Final]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1227873868.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
After experiencing a concerning slump between October and November, there were signs that Arsenal could be returning to their best in a rampant 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace – and Arteta’s men will look to pick up where they left off against Ipswich in two days’ time.
![[Crystal Palace FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2190976628.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
However, the north London giants are set to be without star man Bukayo Saka over their busy winter schedule, with the England forward sidelined for several weeks due to a hamstring injury. Sitting down for a wide-ranging chat with Sky Sports ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Ipswich, Arteta opened up his favourites memories of the festive period before revealing where he sees himself in ten years’ time.
![[Crystal Palace FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2190996526.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
