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As he approaches his six-year milestone in charge, Mikel Arteta has made it clear that his future at Arsenal is directly connected to winning major honors.

Reflecting on: Six Years in Charge

The Spanish coach assumed control on 20 December 2019 and promptly led the team to an cup win a short time later. Yet, that first major trophy is still his sole major honor following the departure of Unai Emery.

“Yes,” the manager said upon being asked about staying beyond 2027. “But it’s about today. And many things need to fall into place in the coming months as well to earn the right.”

This weekend sees the anniversary with a game facing Everton, the identical team Arsenal played immediately following his appointment was announced.

League Position and Pressure

Given that second-placed Manchester City taking on West Ham earlier in the day, Arsenal face being knocked off the summit in the Premier League prior to their fixture. This potential shift even with Arteta presiding over a squad that has been plagued by more than a century of fitness issues from the beginning of last season.

Arteta is under a contract with a year and a half left on the deal he signed in 2024, yet understands fully that success is required promptly.

Earning the Right

He went on to explain, emphasizing the ongoing need to justify his role. “In my view a manager must deserve the right to be here tomorrow. And that depends on how you react, how you communicate, how you go into the dressing room, the signal you send.”

He added, commending the consistent faith from the club's ownership, while singling out the team's buy-in as most crucial. “Ultimately, the most important ones are those players... During my tenure, I’ve seen just players with a degree of commitment, hunger for knowledge and give their all to the team.”

Latest Fitness Blow

The team heads into the upcoming game coping with yet another injury. Defender Ben White has been declared unavailable with a hamstring injury that is anticipated to see him miss action for several weeks.

Evolved Priorities

Even with the injury crisis and the intense pressure, Arteta is confident the club's “priorities and messaging” are completely changed from when he began his reign.

Arteta highlighted the team's performances as a sign they are nearing their goal. “You look at the performances, all the club records that were shattered... We still have yet to do that [win trophies]. But that shows the level we are at.”

He finished by saying, “That is a level that the Premier League has never experienced 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.”