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Ahead of marking his half-decade plus one year at the helm, Mikel Arteta has admitted that his future at Arsenal is fundamentally dependent to delivering trophies.

Reflecting on: From Appointment to Present

Arteta assumed control on 20 December 2019 and soon guided the team to an cup win a short time later. Yet, that initial silverware remains his only top-tier trophy since succeeding Unai Emery.

“Absolutely,” the manager said upon being asked about remaining in charge after his current deal. “But it’s about today. And numerous factors must occur in the near future as well to warrant that continuation.”

He will mark the six-year milestone with a fixture against Everton, the identical team Arsenal met immediately following his role was made public.

Present Challenges

With second-placed Manchester City playing against West Ham earlier in the day, Arsenal could be displaced top spot in the Premier League prior to their fixture. This situation arises despite Arteta managing a squad that has endured more than a century of fitness issues over the course of last season.

He is under a contract with a year and a half left on the deal he signed in 2024, yet understands fully that he must deliver in the immediate future.

Earning the Right

Arteta elaborated, emphasizing the daily requirement to prove his worth. “My belief is that a manager needs to warrant the right to be here tomorrow. And that depends on how you react, how you communicate, how you go into the dressing room, the instructions you give.”

He added, commending the unwavering support from the hierarchy, while singling out the players' commitment as paramount. “At the end, the key individuals are those players... For six years, I’ve seen just players with a standard of focus, desire to learn and give their all to the team.”

Latest Fitness Blow

The squad approaches the Everton match managing yet another injury. Defender Ben White has been ruled out with a muscle problem that is anticipated to see him miss action for several weeks.

A Different Club

Regardless of the fitness woes and the immense scrutiny, Arteta feels the club's “objectives and communication” are completely changed from when he initially took over.

Arteta highlighted the team's performances as a sign they are nearing their goal. “Consider the performances, all the historical marks we surpassed... We still haven't been able to do that [win trophies]. But that indicates the caliber we've reached.”

Arteta concluded, “This is a standard that the Premier League has not seen before in the past. And our aim is to achieve even higher goals. And if we do that, I think we are on the proper course to winning.”