🔗 Share this article

Ahead of marking his sixth anniversary at the helm, Mikel Arteta has stated plainly that his continued role with the club is fundamentally dependent to achieving success.

Reflecting on: Six Years in Charge

The former Arsenal captain assumed control on the 20th of December in 2019 and soon guided the team to an cup win a short time later. But, that first major trophy remains 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. “Yet it's about today. And numerous factors have to happen in the coming months as well to earn the right.”

He will mark the six-year milestone with a match versus Everton, the exact opponent Arsenal played immediately following his hiring was confirmed.

Present Challenges

Given that second-placed Manchester City taking on West Ham on Saturday afternoon, Arsenal risk losing first place in the Premier League before their own match begins. This situation arises notwithstanding Arteta presiding over a squad that has been plagued by more than a century of fitness issues over the course of last season.

The manager currently has a year and a half left on the deal he signed in 2024, yet understands fully that success is required promptly.

Survival in the Job

He went on to explain, highlighting the daily requirement to prove his worth. “In my view a manager must deserve the right to be here tomorrow. And that is determined by how you react, how you communicate, how you enter the dressing room, the signal you send.”

Arteta continued, commending the unwavering support from the hierarchy, but pinpointing the team's buy-in as paramount. “Ultimately, the key individuals are those players... For six years, I’ve seen just players with a standard of focus, desire to learn and dedicate themselves to the team.”

Injury Concerns

The team faces the Everton match managing an additional absence. Defender Ben White has been sidelined with a strain that is likely to see him miss action for the coming weeks.

Confidence in the Path

Even with the availability issues and the intense pressure, Arteta believes the club's “focus and dialogue” are profoundly distinct from when he began his reign.

He pointed to the team's performances as a sign they are nearing their goal. “You look at the performances, all the historical marks we surpassed... We still haven’t managed to do that [win trophies]. But that shows the level we are at.”

In closing, the manager stated, “This is a standard that the Premier League has not seen before in the past. And our ambition is to achieve more lofty ambitions. And if we do that, I think we are on the right path to winning.”