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Ahead of marking his six-year milestone in charge, Mikel Arteta has stated plainly that his future at Arsenal is directly connected to delivering trophies.

Reflecting on: From Appointment to Present

Arteta was appointed on December 20th, 2019 and promptly led the team to an cup win a short time later. But, that initial silverware stands as his sole significant piece of silverware since succeeding Unai Emery.

“Absolutely,” he stated upon being asked about remaining in charge after his current deal. “However, it is about today. And a lot of things must occur in the coming months as well to earn the right.”

He will mark the landmark with a match versus Everton, the exact opponent Arsenal faced immediately following his hiring was confirmed.

League Position and Pressure

With chasing Manchester City taking on West Ham in an earlier kick-off, Arsenal face being knocked off top spot in the Premier League before their own match begins. This potential shift even with Arteta presiding over a squad that has suffered in excess of one hundred injury setbacks from the beginning of last season.

Arteta is tied down by a year and a half left on the deal he signed in 2024, but is acutely aware that success is required in the immediate future.

Earning the Right

He went on to explain, highlighting the constant necessity to validate his position. “I think a manager needs to warrant the right to be here tomorrow. And that is determined by how you react, how you communicate, how you go into the dressing room, the message you convey.”

Arteta continued, commending the unwavering support from the board and owners, yet identifying the team's buy-in as the key factor. “Ultimately, the key individuals are those players... For six years, I’ve seen just players with a level of attention, hunger for knowledge and give their all to the team.”

Latest Fitness Blow

The squad approaches the upcoming game coping with an additional absence. Defender Ben White has been ruled out with a muscle problem that is likely to keep him out for the coming weeks.

Evolved Priorities

Despite the injury crisis and the intense pressure, Arteta is confident the club's “priorities and messaging” are vastly different from when he began his reign.

Arteta highlighted the record-breaking achievements as a sign they are nearing their goal. “Consider the performances, all the club records that were shattered... We still haven’t managed to do that [win trophies]. But that indicates the standard we operate at.”

Arteta concluded, “It represents a quality that the Premier League has never experienced 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.”