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Ahead of marking his six-year milestone as manager, Mikel Arteta has stated plainly that his continued role with the club is directly connected to achieving success.

A Look Back: Six Years in Charge

The Spanish coach was appointed on 20 December 2019 and managed to steer the team to an cup win within months. But, that early success remains his sole major honor since succeeding Unai Emery.

“Absolutely,” he stated when questioned about staying beyond 2027. “But it’s about today. And a lot of things must occur in the next few months as well to warrant that continuation.”

Saturday night brings the six-year milestone with a game facing Everton, the exact opponent Arsenal played immediately following his role was made public.

League Position and Pressure

Given that second-placed Manchester City taking on West Ham on Saturday afternoon, Arsenal face being knocked off first place in the Premier League for the first time. This situation arises despite Arteta overseeing a squad that has been plagued by over 100 injuries from the beginning of last season.

He 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 in the immediate future.

Earning the Right

He went on to explain, stressing the ongoing need to validate his position. “In my view a manager has to earn the right to be here tomorrow. And that depends on how you react, how you address the media, how you enter the dressing room, the instructions you give.”

He added, commending the unwavering support from the board and owners, yet identifying the squad's dedication as paramount. “In the final analysis, the key individuals 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

Arsenal approaches the Everton match managing a fresh setback. Defender Ben White has been sidelined with a strain that is expected to keep him out for the coming weeks.

Evolved Priorities

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

Arteta highlighted the squad's displays as evidence of progress. “You look at the performances, all the club records that were shattered... We still haven't been able to do that [win trophies]. But that tells you the caliber we've reached.”

Arteta concluded, “This is a standard that the Premier League has not witnessed 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.”