After being linked with a host of managerial names, Manchester City assistant coach Mikel Arteta emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Arsene Wenger as Arsenal manager at the end of last season.

However, for whatever reason, it appeared the north London club got cold feet and opted for a safer appointment in Unai Emery.

Arteta, though, remains content with life at the Etihad.

The Breakdown

Speaking to Sky Sports, Arteta said: "You all know some things that happened but the reality is I am here and I am very happy.

"In football, it is so hard to predict things. When things happen, you have to make decisions and sometimes you don't have time to make decisions. The decision was made and I am so happy. I am very privileged to be where I am."

The hiring of Arteta as Arsenal head coach would have truly been a wildcard of an appointment and a gamble.

And, while the former Arsenal captain may be one of the most promising young coaches in European football right now, it is not hard to see why the Emirates hierarchy opted for Emery in the end.

The Gunners would have, of course, liked to have picked up better results against Manchester City and Chelsea while, understandably, teething problems have be seen in the club's other fixtures.

However, under Emery, they are on the right path in regards to some elements, or at least compared to the final few months of Wenger's tenure.

The partnership that is blossoming between Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, in particular, is something that is likely to delight Arsenal supporters.

It is still early days, but Arsenal's decision to go for Emery ahead of Arteta is one with much logic behind it.