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As he approaches his six-year milestone in charge, Mikel Arteta has stated plainly that his future at Arsenal is fundamentally dependent to delivering trophies.

A Look Back: Six Years in Charge

Arteta assumed control on 20 December 2019 and promptly led the team to an FA Cup victory not long after. Yet, that initial silverware stands as his lone top-tier trophy after taking over from Unai Emery.

“Yes,” the manager said when questioned about remaining in charge after his current deal. “But it’s about today. And a lot of things must occur in the next few months as well to deserve that opportunity.”

Saturday night brings the landmark with a fixture against Everton, the exact opponent Arsenal played just after his role was made public.

The Current Landscape

Given that second-placed Manchester City set to face West Ham in an earlier kick-off, Arsenal could be displaced first place in the Premier League before their own match begins. This potential shift notwithstanding Arteta overseeing a squad that has endured more than a century of fitness issues since the start of last season.

He currently has 18 months remaining on the extension he agreed to in 2024, yet understands fully that he must deliver sooner rather than later.

Earning the Right

He went on to explain, emphasizing the daily requirement to justify his role. “I think a manager has to earn the right to be here tomorrow. And that is determined by how you react, how you communicate, how you go into the dressing room, the instructions you give.”

Arteta continued, commending the consistent faith from the club's ownership, but pinpointing the team's buy-in as paramount. “Ultimately, the most important ones are those players... Over this half-decade, I’ve seen just players with a degree of commitment, willingness to improve and give their all to the team.”

Latest Fitness Blow

Arsenal approaches the Everton match coping with an additional absence. Defender Ben White has been ruled out with a strain that is likely to sideline him for a few weeks.

A Different Club

Regardless of the availability issues and the immense scrutiny, Arteta feels the club's “priorities and messaging” are profoundly distinct from when he first arrived.

Arteta highlighted the squad's displays as a sign they are nearing their goal. “You look at the performances, all the club records that were shattered... We still haven’t managed to do that [win trophies]. But that tells you the level we are at.”

He finished by saying, “This is a standard that the Premier League has never experienced in the past. And we want to achieve greater objectives. And if we do that, I think we are on the correct trajectory to winning.”