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On the eve of his six-year milestone as manager, Mikel Arteta has made it clear that his future at Arsenal is fundamentally dependent to delivering trophies.

The Journey So Far: The Arteta Era

Arteta took over on the 20th of December in 2019 and promptly led the team to an FA Cup triumph not long after. But, that initial silverware remains his lone significant piece of silverware since succeeding Unai Emery.

“Absolutely,” the manager said when questioned about remaining in charge after his current deal. “Yet it's about today. And many things must occur in the coming months as well to warrant that continuation.”

He will mark the landmark with a fixture against Everton, the very same club Arsenal played just after his role was made public.

Present Challenges

Given that second-placed Manchester City set to face West Ham earlier in the day, Arsenal could be displaced top spot in the Premier League for the first time. This situation arises despite Arteta overseeing a squad that has suffered more than a century of fitness issues from the beginning of last season.

Arteta currently has a year and a half left on the deal he signed in 2024, yet understands fully that he must deliver sooner rather than later.

Survival in the Job

He went on to explain, stressing the ongoing need to prove his worth. “I think a manager has to earn the right to be here tomorrow. And that depends on how you react, how you talk here, how you go into the dressing room, the instructions you give.”

He stated further, expressing gratitude for the consistent faith from the hierarchy, but pinpointing the squad's dedication as paramount. “In the final analysis, the critical component are those players... During my tenure, I’ve seen just players with a level of attention, willingness to improve and give their all to the team.”

Latest Fitness Blow

The team approaches the Everton match managing an additional absence. Defender Ben White has been sidelined with a muscle problem that is expected to see him miss action for several weeks.

Evolved Priorities

Despite the availability issues and the intense pressure, Arteta believes the club's “priorities and messaging” are completely changed from when he first arrived.

He pointed to the record-breaking achievements as evidence of progress. “Examine the performances, all the club records that were shattered... We still haven’t managed to do that [win trophies]. But that indicates the level we are at.”

In closing, the manager stated, “It represents a quality that the Premier League has never experienced in the past. And our ambition is to achieve greater objectives. And if we do that, I think we are on the proper course to winning.”