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As he approaches his sixth anniversary at the helm, Mikel Arteta has stated plainly that his longevity in North London is inextricably linked to winning major honors.

Reflecting on: The Arteta Era

The former Arsenal captain assumed control on 20 December 2019 and soon guided the team to an FA Cup victory a short time later. However, that initial silverware is still his sole significant piece of silverware after taking over from Unai Emery.

“Yes,” the manager said in response to a query about remaining in charge after his current deal. “However, it is about today. And a lot of things must occur in the next few months as well to deserve that opportunity.”

This weekend sees the six-year milestone with a match versus Everton, the exact opponent Arsenal faced immediately following his hiring was confirmed.

League Position and Pressure

Given that second-placed Manchester City set to face West Ham on Saturday afternoon, Arsenal face being knocked off top spot in the Premier League prior to their fixture. This situation arises notwithstanding Arteta managing a squad that has been plagued by over 100 injuries over the course of last season.

He is under a contract with 18 months remaining on the contract he inked in 2024, yet understands fully that success is required sooner rather than later.

Earning the Right

He went on to explain, stressing the ongoing need to justify his role. “I think a manager needs to warrant the right to be here tomorrow. And that’s how how you react, how you address the media, how you go into the dressing room, the signal you send.”

He stated further, expressing gratitude for the consistent faith from the board and owners, while singling out the team's buy-in as the key factor. “In the final analysis, the critical component are those players... For six years, I’ve seen just players with a level of attention, desire to learn and dedicate themselves to the team.”

Latest Fitness Blow

The team faces the weekend fixture dealing with yet another injury. Defender Ben White has been ruled out with a hamstring injury that is expected to see him miss action for the coming weeks.

Confidence in the Path

Despite the fitness woes and the high-stakes environment, Arteta believes the club's “priorities and messaging” are profoundly distinct from when he first arrived.

He pointed to the squad's displays as evidence of progress. “Consider the performances, all the records that we... were breaking... We still have yet to do that [win trophies]. But that tells you the standard we operate at.”

In closing, the manager stated, “That is a level 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.”