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As he approaches his six-year milestone at the helm, Mikel Arteta has made it clear that his future at Arsenal is inextricably linked to delivering trophies.

The Journey So Far: The Arteta Era

The Spanish coach was appointed on 20 December 2019 and managed to steer the team to an FA Cup victory within months. Yet, that early success stands as his sole major honor since succeeding Unai Emery.

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

Saturday night brings the anniversary with a game facing Everton, the exact opponent Arsenal met the day after his role was made public.

Present Challenges

Given that trailing Manchester City taking on West Ham on Saturday afternoon, Arsenal face being knocked off top spot in the Premier League for the first time. This comes notwithstanding Arteta overseeing a squad that has been plagued by in excess of one hundred injury setbacks over the course of last season.

He is tied down by a year and a half left on the deal he signed in 2024, yet understands fully that results must come in the immediate future.

Survival in the Job

Arteta elaborated, stressing the daily requirement to justify his role. “I think a manager needs to warrant the right to be here tomorrow. And that is determined by how you react, how you communicate, how you enter the dressing room, the message you convey.”

He stated further, praising the strong backing from the board and owners, while singling out the players' commitment as paramount. “In the final analysis, the most important ones are those players... During my tenure, I’ve seen just players with a level of attention, willingness to improve and dedicate themselves to the team.”

Latest Fitness Blow

The squad approaches the weekend fixture coping with an additional absence. Defender Ben White has been sidelined with a strain that is likely to see him miss action for the coming weeks.

Evolved Priorities

Even with the injury crisis and the high-stakes environment, Arteta believes the club's “focus and dialogue” are completely changed from when he began his reign.

He pointed to the record-breaking achievements as evidence of progress. “Consider the performances, all the club records that were shattered... We still have yet to do that [win trophies]. But that shows the caliber we've reached.”

Arteta concluded, “That is a level that the Premier League has not seen before in the past. And our aim is to achieve more lofty ambitions. And if we do that, I think we are on the right path to winning.”