🔗 Share this article

As he approaches his sixth anniversary at the helm, Mikel Arteta has stated plainly that his longevity in North London is fundamentally dependent to achieving success.

The Journey So Far: Six Years in Charge

Arteta took over on the 20th of December in 2019 and soon guided the team to an FA Cup triumph not long after. However, that first major trophy remains his lone significant piece of silverware following the departure of 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 must occur in the near future as well to earn the right.”

He will mark the six-year milestone with a game facing Everton, the exact opponent Arsenal played the day after his role was made public.

Present Challenges

With trailing Manchester City taking on West Ham in an earlier kick-off, Arsenal could be displaced the summit in the Premier League for the first time. This situation arises notwithstanding Arteta overseeing a squad that has been plagued by more than a century of fitness issues since the start of last season.

He is under a contract with 18 months to run on the contract he inked in 2024, yet understands fully that success is required promptly.

Earning the Right

Arteta elaborated, highlighting the constant necessity to validate his position. “In my view a manager needs to warrant 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, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support from the club's ownership, yet identifying the squad's dedication as paramount. “In the final analysis, the critical component are those players... Over this half-decade, I’ve seen just players with a standard of focus, willingness to improve and give the maximum to the team.”

Injury Concerns

The team approaches the upcoming game coping with a fresh setback. Defender Ben White has been sidelined with a strain that is expected to sideline him for a few weeks.

Evolved Priorities

Regardless of the injury crisis and the intense pressure, Arteta believes the club's “focus and dialogue” are profoundly distinct from when he initially took over.

He pointed to the record-breaking achievements as evidence of progress. “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.”

He finished by saying, “It represents a quality 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.”