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On the eve of his half-decade plus one year at the helm, Mikel Arteta has stated plainly that his future at Arsenal is directly connected to achieving success.

The Journey So Far: Six Years in Charge

Arteta was appointed on the 20th of December in 2019 and managed to steer the team to an FA Cup victory within months. But, that early success is still his only top-tier trophy since succeeding Unai Emery.

“I can,” Arteta responded in response to a query about his future past 2027. “Yet it's about today. And a lot of things must occur in the near future as well to earn the right.”

This weekend sees the anniversary with a game facing Everton, the exact opponent Arsenal met just after his hiring was confirmed.

The Current Landscape

Given that second-placed Manchester City taking on West Ham in an earlier kick-off, Arsenal face being knocked off top spot in the Premier League prior to their fixture. This comes despite Arteta overseeing a squad that has suffered over 100 injuries from the beginning of last season.

The manager currently has 18 months to run on the contract he inked in 2024, but is acutely aware that success is required sooner rather than later.

Survival in the Job

The manager expanded, stressing the ongoing need to prove his worth. “My belief is that a manager has to earn the right to be here tomorrow. And that depends on how you react, how you communicate, how you step into the dressing room, the message you convey.”

He stated further, commending the unwavering support from the hierarchy, but pinpointing the squad's dedication as most crucial. “In the final analysis, 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 squad faces the weekend fixture coping with yet another injury. Defender Ben White has been ruled out with a hamstring injury that is likely to see him miss action for the coming weeks.

A Different Club

Even with the availability issues and the immense scrutiny, Arteta is confident the club's “objectives and communication” are completely changed from when he initially took over.

Arteta highlighted the record-breaking achievements as a sign they are nearing their goal. “Examine the performances, all the club records that were shattered... We still have yet to do that [win trophies]. But that tells you the level we are at.”

In closing, the manager stated, “That is a level that the Premier League has not seen before in the past. And our ambition is to achieve even higher goals. And if we do that, I think we are on the correct trajectory to winning.”