Brentford’s bold bet and Arsenal’s catharsis: The Premier League’s standout managers of 2025/26 | OneFootball

Premier League management can be an unforgiving business, so it's time to give flowers to the coaches who exceeded expectations in 2025/26.

Here are five Premier League managers who had exceptional seasons.

Mikel Arteta - Arsenal

Mikel Arteta admitted he had to overcome self-doubt to get Arsenal over the line this season. Three consecutive runners-up finishes had left the Gunners with mental scars, but the North Londoners exorcised those demons to win the Premier League this season.

It's a first league title since 2004 for Arsenal, a 22-year drought few envisaged after the club's Invincibles success that season.

Arsenal have been rewarded for their patient project with Arteta, unwavering belief in the vision, and the investment to fulfil it.

Some questioned Arteta's decision to target depth over top-tier talent in last summer's window, but a squad with real cover in all areas has been crowned champions and reached a Champions League final. If Arsenal can complete that double, Arteta will make unprecedented club history.

Michael Carrick - Manchester United

Michael Carrick's firefighting role at Manchester United has taken him all the way to the permanent manager's position.

Brought in to oversee the run-in after Ruben Amorim's exit, Carrick's task was to steady the ship while the club conducted a thorough recruitment process.

He started well, and continued to win, win, and win. An incredible 12 wins in 17 games led the Red Devils to Champions League football andCarrick to the permanent job.

Andoni Iraola - Bournemouth

Andoni Iraola saw his Bournemouth side decimated during last summer's transfer window, losing four of last season's back five, and Dango Ouattara to Brentford. Then, in January, top-scorer Antoine Semenyo was sold to Manchester City in another obstacle to overcome.

Bournemouth, however, just kept going. A remarkable 18-game unbeaten run from early January until the season's end led the Cherries to a top-six finish and Europa League qualification.

European football is coming to the south coast for the first time, even if Iraola will not be around to oversee it. Having announced his exit, clubs will be queuing up to secure the Spaniard.

Regis Le Bris - Sunderland

Sunderland ended last season a huge 24 points outside the automatic promotion places in the Championship, before upsetting Sheffield United in the play-off final.

An unexpected Premier League return saw the board back their man in charge, with a series of smart signings leading to a stunning season.

Sunderland snuck into the top seven after beating Chelsea on the final day, a position that has secured Europa League football. It's the first time in 52 years that the Black Cats will compete in Europe, just four years on from being mired in the third tier. What a story.

Keith Andrews - Brentford

Brentford were many people's picks to be dragged into the relegation dogfight this season, Last summer saw the Bees lose their long-serving head coach, club captain, and two leading scorers, with Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa accounting for 39 Premier League goals last season.

Thomas Frank's replacement, Keith Andrews, was a set-piece coach with no senior experience, and represented a massive risk.

Instead, Andrews has had Brentford battling near the top of the division, with only a late-season wobble, which included seven draws in 10 games, denying the club European football for the first time.