🔗 Share this article

As he approaches his sixth anniversary as manager, Mikel Arteta has stated plainly that his continued role with the club is inextricably linked to achieving success.

A Look Back: Six Years in Charge

Arteta took over on 20 December 2019 and soon guided the team to an FA Cup victory within months. However, that initial silverware is still his sole major honor following the departure of Unai Emery.

“Yes,” the manager said in response to a query about staying beyond 2027. “Yet it's about today. And numerous factors have to happen in the near future as well to earn the right.”

He will mark the anniversary with a game facing Everton, the very same club Arsenal met immediately following his hiring was confirmed.

League Position and Pressure

Given that trailing Manchester City playing against West Ham on Saturday afternoon, Arsenal could be displaced the summit in the Premier League before their own match begins. This situation arises despite Arteta managing a squad that has endured over 100 injuries over the course of last season.

He currently has 18 months remaining on the contract he inked in 2024, but is acutely aware that results must come sooner rather than later.

Earning the Right

He went on to explain, stressing the daily requirement to validate his position. “My belief is that 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 instructions you give.”

He stated further, expressing gratitude for the strong backing from the club's ownership, while singling out the players' commitment as the key factor. “Ultimately, the most important ones are those players... For six years, I’ve seen just players with a degree of commitment, willingness to improve and give the maximum to the team.”

Injury Concerns

The team approaches the Everton match managing yet another injury. Defender Ben White has been ruled out with a muscle problem that is likely to see him miss action for several weeks.

A Different Club

Even with the injury crisis and the high-stakes environment, Arteta feels the club's “objectives and communication” are vastly different from when he first arrived.

He pointed to the team's performances as a sign they are nearing their goal. “Examine 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, “This is a standard that the Premier League has not witnessed in the past. And our aim is to achieve even higher goals. And if we do that, I think we are on the proper course to winning.”