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On the eve of his sixth anniversary as manager, Mikel Arteta has admitted that his future at Arsenal is directly connected to achieving success.

The Journey So Far: From Appointment to Present

Arteta assumed control on December 20th, 2019 and soon guided the team to an FA Cup triumph within months. However, that initial silverware stands as his sole significant piece of silverware after taking over from Unai Emery.

“Absolutely,” he stated upon being asked about staying beyond 2027. “However, it is about today. And many things need to fall into place in the next few months as well to warrant that continuation.”

This weekend sees the anniversary with a game facing Everton, the exact opponent Arsenal met immediately following his role was made public.

The Current Landscape

Given that chasing Manchester City set to face West Ham in an earlier kick-off, Arsenal face being knocked off the summit in the Premier League before their own match begins. This situation arises notwithstanding Arteta managing a squad that has suffered over 100 injuries over the course of last season.

He currently has a year and a half left on the deal he signed in 2024, but is acutely aware that results must come in the immediate future.

Survival in the Job

Arteta elaborated, emphasizing the constant necessity to validate his position. “My belief is that a manager has to earn the right to be here tomorrow. And that is determined by how you react, how you address the media, how you enter the dressing room, the instructions you give.”

Arteta continued, praising the strong backing from the hierarchy, but pinpointing the players' commitment as most crucial. “Ultimately, the critical component are those players... Over this half-decade, I’ve seen just players with a level of attention, willingness to improve and dedicate themselves to the team.”

Squad Setbacks

The squad heads into the upcoming game coping with a fresh setback. Defender Ben White has been declared unavailable with a strain that is expected to sideline him for the coming weeks.

Evolved Priorities

Despite the availability issues and the intense pressure, Arteta is confident the club's “focus and dialogue” are profoundly distinct from when he first arrived.

Arteta highlighted the team's performances as a sign they are nearing their goal. “Consider the performances, all the club records that were shattered... We still haven’t managed to do that [win trophies]. But that tells you the standard we operate at.”

He finished by saying, “It represents a quality that the Premier League has never experienced in the past. And our ambition is to achieve more lofty ambitions. And if we do that, I think we are on the correct trajectory to winning.”