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Ahead of marking his half-decade plus one year as manager, Mikel Arteta has admitted that his continued role with the club is fundamentally dependent to winning major honors.

Reflecting on: Six Years in Charge

The Spanish coach was appointed on December 20th, 2019 and soon guided the team to an FA Cup triumph a short time later. But, that early success stands as his sole significant piece of silverware after taking over from Unai Emery.

“Yes,” Arteta responded in response to a query about remaining in charge after his current deal. “Yet it's about today. And many things have to happen in the coming months as well to earn the right.”

This weekend sees the six-year milestone with a game facing Everton, the very same club Arsenal played immediately following his appointment was announced.

Present Challenges

Given that trailing Manchester City set to face West Ham earlier in the day, Arsenal risk losing top spot in the Premier League prior to their fixture. This situation arises despite Arteta overseeing a squad that has suffered more than a century of fitness issues from the beginning of last season.

He is tied down by 18 months remaining on the contract he inked in 2024, however, he knows that success is required promptly.

Earning the Right

The manager expanded, stressing the constant necessity to justify his role. “In my view a manager must deserve the right to be here tomorrow. And that’s how how you react, how you address the media, how you enter the dressing room, the signal you send.”

He stated further, praising the consistent faith from the club's ownership, yet identifying the players' commitment as paramount. “At the end, 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.”

Injury Concerns

Arsenal approaches the Everton match dealing with yet another injury. Defender Ben White has been ruled out with a strain that is expected to sideline him for several weeks.

Confidence in the Path

Despite the injury crisis and the high-stakes environment, Arteta is confident the club's “objectives and communication” are profoundly distinct from when he first arrived.

Arteta highlighted the team's performances as proof they are close. “Examine the performances, all the club records that were shattered... We still haven't been able to do that [win trophies]. But that tells you the standard we operate at.”

He finished by saying, “That is a level that the Premier League has not witnessed in the past. And our aim is to achieve greater objectives. And if we do that, I think we are on the right path to winning.”