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On the eve of his sixth anniversary in charge, Mikel Arteta has admitted that his continued role with the club is directly connected to winning major honors.

Reflecting on: The Arteta Era

The Spanish coach assumed control on December 20th, 2019 and managed to steer the team to an cup win not long after. Yet, that first major trophy remains his sole top-tier trophy following the departure of Unai Emery.

“I can,” he stated upon being asked about his future past 2027. “However, it is about today. And a lot of things have to happen in the near future as well to deserve that opportunity.”

This weekend sees the anniversary with a fixture against Everton, the identical team Arsenal met immediately following his hiring was confirmed.

Present Challenges

As second-placed Manchester City playing against West Ham on Saturday afternoon, Arsenal face being knocked off top spot in the Premier League prior to their fixture. This situation arises despite Arteta overseeing a squad that has been plagued by over 100 injuries since the start of last season.

He currently has 18 months to run on the contract he inked in 2024, but is acutely aware that success is required sooner rather than later.

Earning the Right

The manager expanded, emphasizing the constant necessity to prove his worth. “In my view a manager has to earn the right to be here tomorrow. And that is determined by how you react, how you talk here, how you enter the dressing room, the signal you send.”

He stated further, praising the strong backing from the hierarchy, but pinpointing the team's buy-in as the key factor. “Ultimately, the key individuals are those players... For six years, I’ve seen just players with a degree of commitment, willingness to improve and give their all to the team.”

Latest Fitness Blow

The team approaches the weekend fixture managing an additional absence. Defender Ben White has been declared unavailable with a muscle problem that is expected to keep him out for the coming weeks.

Evolved Priorities

Even with the injury crisis and the high-stakes environment, Arteta believes the club's “focus and dialogue” are profoundly distinct from when he began his reign.

The manager referenced the record-breaking achievements as a sign they are nearing their goal. “You look at the performances, all the club records that were shattered... We still haven’t managed to do that [win trophies]. But that indicates the standard we operate at.”

He finished by saying, “That is a level that the Premier League has not witnessed in the past. And our aim is to achieve more lofty ambitions. And if we do that, I think we are on the right path to winning.”