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On the eve of his half-decade plus one year in charge, Mikel Arteta has stated plainly that his longevity in North London is directly connected to achieving success.

A Look Back: The Arteta Era

Arteta assumed control on the 20th of December in 2019 and managed to steer the team to an cup win within months. But, that initial silverware stands as his sole significant piece of silverware after taking over from Unai Emery.

“I can,” Arteta responded upon being asked about staying beyond 2027. “But it’s about today. And many things need to fall into place in the next few months as well to warrant that continuation.”

This weekend sees the six-year milestone with a game facing Everton, the exact opponent Arsenal faced just after his hiring was confirmed.

The Current Landscape

As second-placed Manchester City taking on West Ham on Saturday afternoon, Arsenal face being knocked off first place in the Premier League for the first time. This comes notwithstanding Arteta managing a squad that has been plagued by more than a century of fitness issues from the beginning of last season.

The manager currently has 18 months to run on the deal he signed in 2024, yet understands fully that success is required promptly.

Earning the Right

The manager expanded, stressing the daily requirement to validate his position. “I think a manager must deserve the right to be here tomorrow. And that is determined by how you react, how you talk here, how you enter the dressing room, the signal you send.”

Arteta continued, commending the strong backing from the hierarchy, while singling out the team's buy-in as the key factor. “In the final analysis, the critical component are those players... For six years, I’ve seen just players with a level of attention, willingness to improve and dedicate themselves to the team.”

Squad Setbacks

The squad heads into the upcoming game dealing with yet another injury. Defender Ben White has been ruled out with a strain that is likely to keep him out for several weeks.

Evolved Priorities

Despite the fitness woes and the high-stakes environment, Arteta is confident the club's “priorities and messaging” are vastly different from when he initially took over.

He pointed to the record-breaking achievements as evidence of progress. “Consider the performances, all the historical marks we surpassed... We still haven't been able to do that [win trophies]. But that tells you the level we are at.”

In closing, the manager stated, “That is a level that the Premier League has not witnessed in the past. And our ambition is to achieve more lofty ambitions. And if we do that, I think we are on the right path to winning.”