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On the eve of his sixth anniversary as manager, Mikel Arteta has stated plainly that his future at Arsenal is fundamentally dependent to achieving success.

The Journey So Far: From Appointment to Present

The Spanish coach assumed control on 20 December 2019 and managed to steer the team to an FA Cup triumph not long after. Yet, that first major trophy is still his sole major honor after taking over from Unai Emery.

“Absolutely,” the manager said upon being asked about remaining in charge after his current deal. “However, it is about today. And numerous factors have to happen in the next few months as well to earn the right.”

He will mark the anniversary with a game facing Everton, the exact opponent Arsenal played the day after his role was made public.

League Position and Pressure

With second-placed Manchester City set to face West Ham in an earlier kick-off, Arsenal face being knocked off top spot in the Premier League prior to their fixture. This comes notwithstanding Arteta presiding over a squad that has suffered over 100 injuries since the start of last season.

Arteta currently has a year and a half left on the deal he signed in 2024, however, he knows that success is required promptly.

The Manager's Mandate

Arteta elaborated, stressing the constant necessity 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 communicate, how you step into the dressing room, the message you convey.”

He stated further, expressing gratitude for the strong backing from the board and owners, while singling out the team's buy-in as paramount. “In the final analysis, the key individuals are those players... Over this half-decade, I’ve seen just players with a standard of focus, hunger for knowledge and give the maximum to the team.”

Injury Concerns

Arsenal approaches the upcoming game dealing with yet another injury. Defender Ben White has been ruled out with a muscle problem that is likely to keep him out for a few weeks.

Evolved Priorities

Even with the injury crisis and the immense scrutiny, Arteta is confident the club's “priorities and messaging” are profoundly distinct from when he began his reign.

He pointed to the squad's displays as evidence of progress. “Examine the performances, all the historical marks we surpassed... We still haven’t managed to do that [win trophies]. But that indicates the level we are at.”

He finished by saying, “It represents a quality that the Premier League has never experienced in the past. And we want to achieve greater objectives. And if we do that, I think we are on the proper course to winning.”