🔗 Share this article

As he approaches his half-decade plus one year in charge, Mikel Arteta has stated plainly that his continued role with the club is inextricably linked to winning major honors.

Reflecting on: Six Years in Charge

The Spanish coach took over on the 20th of December in 2019 and promptly led the team to an FA Cup victory within months. Yet, that initial silverware is still his sole top-tier trophy following the departure of Unai Emery.

“Absolutely,” the manager said upon being asked about remaining in charge after his current deal. “However, it is about today. And many things need to fall into place in the next few months as well to deserve that opportunity.”

Saturday night brings the six-year milestone with a game facing Everton, the exact opponent Arsenal met just after his hiring was confirmed.

The Current Landscape

With trailing Manchester City set to face West Ham on Saturday afternoon, Arsenal risk losing top spot in the Premier League prior to their fixture. This comes notwithstanding Arteta managing a squad that has suffered more than a century of fitness issues from the beginning of last season.

He is under a contract with 18 months remaining on the contract he inked in 2024, but is acutely aware that results must come in the immediate future.

Earning the Right

Arteta elaborated, emphasizing the ongoing need to prove his worth. “I think a manager has to earn the right to be here tomorrow. And that’s how how you react, how you talk here, how you enter the dressing room, the signal you send.”

He stated further, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support from the club's ownership, yet identifying the players' commitment as paramount. “Ultimately, the most important ones are those players... During my tenure, I’ve seen just players with a degree of commitment, willingness to improve and dedicate themselves to the team.”

Latest Fitness Blow

Arsenal approaches the Everton match dealing with a fresh setback. Defender Ben White has been ruled out with a strain that is expected to see him miss action for a few weeks.

A Different Club

Even with the availability issues and the immense scrutiny, Arteta believes the club's “objectives and communication” are vastly different from when he initially took over.

The manager referenced the squad's displays as evidence of progress. “You look at the performances, all the records that we... were breaking... We still haven’t managed to do that [win trophies]. But that indicates the caliber we've reached.”

He finished by saying, “That is a level that the Premier League has not witnessed in the past. And we want to achieve more lofty ambitions. And if we do that, I think we are on the proper course to winning.”