🔗 Share this article

Ahead of marking his sixth anniversary as manager, Mikel Arteta has admitted that his longevity in North London is inextricably linked to achieving success.

A Look Back: Six Years in Charge

The former Arsenal captain took over on the 20th of December in 2019 and promptly led the team to an cup win a short time later. But, that early success remains his sole top-tier trophy following the departure of Unai Emery.

“I can,” the manager said when questioned about remaining in charge after his current deal. “Yet it's about today. And a lot of things must occur in the near future as well to warrant that continuation.”

Saturday night brings the six-year milestone with a game facing Everton, the very same club Arsenal faced the day after his appointment was announced.

The Current Landscape

With trailing Manchester City taking on West Ham earlier in the day, Arsenal face being knocked off the summit in the Premier League before their own match begins. This potential shift even with Arteta managing a squad that has endured over 100 injuries from the beginning of last season.

The manager is tied down by 18 months remaining on the deal he signed in 2024, however, he knows that he must deliver promptly.

Earning the Right

The manager expanded, emphasizing the constant necessity to justify his role. “I think a manager has to earn the right to be here tomorrow. And that depends on how you react, how you talk here, how you enter the dressing room, the message you convey.”

Arteta continued, expressing gratitude for the strong backing from the club's ownership, but pinpointing the squad's dedication as most crucial. “At the end, the key individuals are those players... During my tenure, I’ve seen just players with a standard of focus, hunger for knowledge and give the maximum to the team.”

Latest Fitness Blow

The squad faces the upcoming game dealing with yet another injury. Defender Ben White has been ruled out with a hamstring injury that is likely to see him miss action for several weeks.

A Different Club

Despite the fitness woes and the intense pressure, Arteta believes the club's “objectives and communication” are vastly different from when he first arrived.

The manager referenced 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 managed to do that [win trophies]. But that shows the standard we operate at.”

In closing, the manager stated, “That is a level that the Premier League has never experienced in the past. And our aim is to achieve even higher goals. And if we do that, I think we are on the proper course to winning.”