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On the eve of his half-decade plus one year as manager, Mikel Arteta has stated plainly that his continued role with the club is directly connected to delivering trophies.

A Look Back: Six Years in Charge

The former Arsenal captain assumed control on the 20th of December in 2019 and promptly led the team to an FA Cup victory a short time later. Yet, that initial silverware stands as his sole significant piece of silverware since succeeding Unai Emery.

“I can,” the manager said when questioned about remaining in charge after his current deal. “Yet it's about today. And numerous factors must occur in the near future as well to warrant that continuation.”

He will mark the anniversary with a game facing Everton, the exact opponent Arsenal played just after his hiring was confirmed.

The Current Landscape

Given that chasing Manchester City set to face West Ham earlier in the day, Arsenal risk losing top spot in the Premier League before their own match begins. This situation arises even with 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 18 months to run on the extension he agreed to in 2024, however, he knows that he must deliver in the immediate future.

Survival in the Job

He went on to explain, highlighting the ongoing need to validate his position. “I think a manager has to earn the right to be here tomorrow. And that depends on how you react, how you address the media, how you step into the dressing room, the instructions you give.”

He stated further, commending the unwavering support from the club's ownership, yet identifying the squad's dedication as most crucial. “Ultimately, the critical component 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 faces the upcoming game coping with an additional absence. Defender Ben White has been ruled out with a muscle problem that is expected to see him miss action for a few weeks.

A Different Club

Even with the availability issues and the immense scrutiny, Arteta feels the club's “priorities and messaging” are profoundly distinct from when he began his reign.

Arteta highlighted the record-breaking achievements as evidence of progress. “Consider 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.”

In closing, the manager stated, “That is a level that the Premier League has not seen before in the past. And we want to achieve more lofty ambitions. And if we do that, I think we are on the right path to winning.”