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As he approaches his half-decade plus one year as manager, Mikel Arteta has stated plainly that his future at Arsenal is directly connected to delivering trophies.

Reflecting on: Six Years in Charge

The former Arsenal captain was appointed on 20 December 2019 and soon guided the team to an cup win a short time later. But, that early success stands as his lone significant piece of silverware after taking over from Unai Emery.

“Absolutely,” Arteta responded when questioned about staying beyond 2027. “But it’s about today. And many things have to happen in the next few months as well to earn the right.”

This weekend sees the anniversary with a match versus Everton, the exact opponent Arsenal faced just after his role was made public.

The Current Landscape

Given that chasing Manchester City set to face West Ham earlier in the day, Arsenal could be displaced the summit in the Premier League prior to their fixture. This potential shift even with Arteta overseeing a squad that has endured in excess of one hundred injury setbacks from the beginning of last season.

Arteta currently has 18 months remaining on the deal he signed in 2024, but is acutely aware that success is required promptly.

Earning the Right

He went on to explain, highlighting the daily requirement to validate his position. “I think a manager must deserve the right to be here tomorrow. And that is determined by how you react, how you address the media, how you step into the dressing room, the signal you send.”

He stated further, expressing gratitude for the strong backing from the hierarchy, but pinpointing the squad's dedication as the key factor. “In the final analysis, the most important ones are those players... During my tenure, I’ve seen just players with a level of attention, willingness to improve and give the maximum to the team.”

Injury Concerns

The team faces the weekend fixture coping with a fresh setback. Defender Ben White has been ruled out with a strain that is likely to see him miss action for the coming weeks.

Evolved Priorities

Even with the fitness woes and the high-stakes environment, Arteta believes the club's “objectives and communication” are profoundly distinct from when he began his reign.

He pointed to the team's performances as evidence of progress. “Examine the performances, all the club records that were shattered... We still have yet to do that [win trophies]. But that tells you the standard we operate at.”

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