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Ahead of marking his six-year milestone as manager, Mikel Arteta has stated plainly that his future at Arsenal is inextricably linked to winning major honors.

A Look Back: The Arteta Era

The former Arsenal captain assumed control on 20 December 2019 and managed to steer the team to an cup win within months. But, that first major trophy is still his sole top-tier trophy following the departure of Unai Emery.

“Yes,” Arteta responded upon being asked about staying beyond 2027. “However, it is about today. And numerous factors must occur in the next few months as well to warrant that continuation.”

He will mark the anniversary with a match versus Everton, the exact opponent Arsenal met immediately following his appointment was announced.

League Position and Pressure

As chasing Manchester City taking on West Ham earlier in the day, Arsenal could be displaced top spot in the Premier League prior to their fixture. This potential shift notwithstanding Arteta presiding over a squad that has been plagued by over 100 injuries over the course of last season.

He is under a contract with a year and a half left on the contract he inked in 2024, but is acutely aware that results must come sooner rather than later.

Survival in the Job

Arteta elaborated, emphasizing the ongoing need to validate his position. “My belief is that a manager has to earn the right to be here tomorrow. And that’s how how you react, how you address the media, how you step into the dressing room, the instructions you give.”

Arteta continued, expressing gratitude for the strong backing from the hierarchy, but pinpointing the team's buy-in as most crucial. “Ultimately, the key individuals are those players... During my tenure, I’ve seen just players with a degree of commitment, willingness to improve and give the maximum to the team.”

Injury Concerns

The squad faces the Everton match managing an additional absence. Defender Ben White has been declared unavailable with a muscle problem that is likely to sideline him for several weeks.

Evolved Priorities

Even with the fitness woes and the immense scrutiny, Arteta is confident the club's “objectives and communication” are completely changed from when he began his reign.

Arteta highlighted the squad's displays as proof they are close. “Examine the performances, all the historical marks we surpassed... We still haven't been able to do that [win trophies]. But that indicates the level we are at.”

He finished by saying, “It represents a quality that the Premier League has never experienced in the past. And we want to achieve greater objectives. And if we do that, I think we are on the correct trajectory to winning.”