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As he approaches his six-year milestone at the helm, Mikel Arteta has stated plainly that his future at Arsenal is inextricably linked to achieving success.

A Look Back: From Appointment to Present

Arteta assumed control on December 20th, 2019 and promptly led the team to an FA Cup victory within months. Yet, that initial silverware is still his only top-tier trophy following the departure of Unai Emery.

“Absolutely,” he stated when questioned about remaining in charge after his current deal. “However, it is about today. And a lot of things need to fall into place in the near future as well to deserve that opportunity.”

He will mark the six-year milestone with a game facing Everton, the very same club Arsenal met just after his role was made public.

League Position and Pressure

With second-placed Manchester City taking on West Ham earlier in the day, Arsenal risk losing the summit in the Premier League before their own match begins. This situation arises notwithstanding Arteta managing a squad that has suffered in excess of one hundred injury setbacks from the beginning of last season.

Arteta is tied down by 18 months remaining on the extension he agreed to in 2024, but is acutely aware that success is required sooner rather than later.

Survival in the Job

He went on to explain, emphasizing the constant necessity to validate his position. “I think a manager needs to warrant the right to be here tomorrow. And that depends on how you react, how you communicate, how you step into the dressing room, the instructions you give.”

Arteta continued, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support from the club's ownership, yet identifying the team's buy-in as most crucial. “At the end, the critical component are those players... During my tenure, I’ve seen just players with a level of attention, desire to learn and give the maximum to the team.”

Injury Concerns

The squad faces the upcoming game dealing with a fresh setback. Defender Ben White has been declared unavailable with a muscle problem that is expected to see him miss action for the coming weeks.

Evolved Priorities

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

The manager referenced the record-breaking achievements as proof they are close. “Consider the performances, all the historical marks we surpassed... We still have yet to do that [win trophies]. But that indicates the standard we operate at.”

In closing, the manager stated, “It represents a quality that the Premier League has not witnessed in the past. And our ambition is to achieve greater objectives. And if we do that, I think we are on the proper course to winning.”