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On the eve of his sixth anniversary at the helm, Mikel Arteta has made it clear that his future at Arsenal is fundamentally dependent to winning major honors.

The Journey So Far: Six Years in Charge

The former Arsenal captain took over on the 20th of December in 2019 and soon guided the team to an FA Cup victory a short time later. Yet, that early success stands as his lone significant piece of silverware following the departure of Unai Emery.

“I can,” he stated when questioned about remaining in charge after his current deal. “Yet it's about today. And many things have to happen in the coming months as well to earn the right.”

Saturday night brings the landmark with a match versus Everton, the very same club Arsenal met the day after his appointment was announced.

League Position and Pressure

Given that second-placed Manchester City playing against West Ham on Saturday afternoon, Arsenal could be displaced top spot in the Premier League before their own match begins. This situation arises despite Arteta overseeing a squad that has endured over 100 injuries since the start of last season.

The manager currently has 18 months to run on the extension he agreed to in 2024, however, he knows that success is required in the immediate future.

Earning the Right

The manager expanded, emphasizing the ongoing need to justify his role. “I think a manager must deserve 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 added, expressing gratitude for the strong backing from the board and owners, yet identifying the team's buy-in as paramount. “Ultimately, the critical component are those players... Over this half-decade, I’ve seen just players with a standard of focus, willingness to improve and give the maximum to the team.”

Latest Fitness Blow

The squad approaches the upcoming game coping with a fresh setback. Defender Ben White has been declared unavailable with a strain that is anticipated to keep him out for the coming weeks.

Confidence in the Path

Even with the fitness woes and the high-stakes environment, Arteta feels 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. “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, “That is a level 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 right path to winning.”