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Ahead of marking his sixth anniversary as manager, Mikel Arteta has stated plainly that his future at Arsenal is directly connected to delivering trophies.

The Journey So Far: From Appointment to Present

The former Arsenal captain assumed control on the 20th of December in 2019 and managed to steer the team to an FA Cup victory a short time later. But, that initial silverware is still his only major honor following the departure of Unai Emery.

“Yes,” Arteta responded when questioned about remaining in charge after his current deal. “Yet it's about today. And numerous factors have to happen in the coming months as well to earn the right.”

He will mark the landmark with a game facing Everton, the very same club Arsenal played the day after his hiring was confirmed.

The Current Landscape

As trailing Manchester City set to face West Ham on Saturday afternoon, Arsenal could be displaced top spot in the Premier League for the first time. This situation arises notwithstanding Arteta overseeing a squad that has endured more than a century of fitness issues since the start of last season.

He is under a contract with a year and a half left on the contract he inked in 2024, yet understands fully that success is required promptly.

Earning the Right

The manager expanded, emphasizing the daily requirement to prove his worth. “I think a manager must deserve the right to be here tomorrow. And that’s how how you react, how you talk here, how you enter the dressing room, the instructions you give.”

Arteta continued, praising the consistent faith from the club's ownership, yet identifying the players' commitment as the key factor. “Ultimately, the key individuals are those players... For six years, I’ve seen just players with a level of attention, willingness to improve and give the maximum to the team.”

Latest Fitness Blow

The team heads into the Everton match managing yet another injury. Defender Ben White has been ruled out with a muscle problem that is likely to keep him out for the coming weeks.

Confidence in the Path

Despite the fitness woes and the high-stakes environment, Arteta is confident the club's “focus and dialogue” are completely changed from when he first arrived.

He pointed to the squad's displays as evidence of progress. “Consider the performances, all the records that we... were breaking... We still haven't been able to do that [win trophies]. But that indicates the standard we operate at.”

Arteta concluded, “That is a level that the Premier League has not witnessed in the past. And we want to achieve even higher goals. And if we do that, I think we are on the proper course to winning.”