Arsène Wenger was the first non–British manager to receive the Manager of the Season award, having led Arsenal to the top of the Premier League in 1997–98, his first full season at the club. This achievement was significant given that Arsenal were, at one stage, 12 points behind leaders Manchester United.
Arsène Wenger became the first non-British manager to win the Manager of the Season award in 1997–98, leading Arsenal to the top spot in the Premier League after being 12 points behind Manchester United at one point during the season.