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On the eve of his sixth anniversary in charge, Mikel Arteta has admitted that his future at Arsenal is inextricably linked to delivering trophies.

Reflecting on: Six Years in Charge

Arteta assumed control on the 20th of December in 2019 and soon guided the team to an FA Cup victory within months. Yet, that early success remains his lone major honor after taking over from Unai Emery.

“Yes,” the manager said upon being asked about remaining in charge after his current deal. “Yet it's about today. And many things have to happen in the next few months as well to deserve that opportunity.”

He will mark the six-year milestone with a fixture against Everton, the very same club Arsenal played immediately following his appointment was announced.

The Current Landscape

Given that chasing Manchester City taking on West Ham on Saturday afternoon, Arsenal risk losing top spot in the Premier League prior to their fixture. This comes notwithstanding Arteta overseeing a squad that has suffered over 100 injuries over the course of last season.

He is under a contract with a year and a half left on the deal he signed in 2024, but is acutely aware that success is required sooner rather than later.

The Manager's Mandate

Arteta elaborated, highlighting the ongoing need to justify his role. “My belief is that a manager must deserve the right to be here tomorrow. And that’s how how you react, how you address the media, how you go into the dressing room, the message you convey.”

He added, praising the consistent faith from the board and owners, but pinpointing the players' commitment as most crucial. “At the end, the most important ones are those players... During my tenure, I’ve seen just players with a level of attention, desire to learn and give the maximum to the team.”

Squad Setbacks

The squad heads into the upcoming game dealing with yet another injury. Defender Ben White has been ruled out with a strain that is expected to keep him out for several weeks.

A Different Club

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

The manager referenced the squad's displays as a sign they are nearing their goal. “Examine the performances, all the records that we... were breaking... We still haven't been able to do that [win trophies]. But that indicates the caliber we've reached.”

He finished by saying, “That is a level 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 correct trajectory to winning.”