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Ahead of marking his sixth anniversary in charge, Mikel Arteta has stated plainly that his longevity in North London is fundamentally dependent to delivering trophies.

A Look Back: The Arteta Era

The Spanish coach was appointed on December 20th, 2019 and managed to steer the team to an FA Cup triumph a short time later. But, that first major trophy remains his lone significant piece of silverware after taking over from Unai Emery.

“Yes,” the manager said in response to a query about his future past 2027. “However, it is about today. And many things need to fall into place in the next few months as well to earn the right.”

This weekend sees the anniversary with a game facing Everton, the exact opponent Arsenal met immediately following his hiring was confirmed.

Present Challenges

Given that second-placed Manchester City playing against West Ham in an earlier kick-off, Arsenal risk losing the summit in the Premier League before their own match begins. This potential shift notwithstanding Arteta presiding over a squad that has been plagued by more than a century of fitness issues from the beginning of last season.

He is tied down by a year and a half left on the contract he inked in 2024, however, he knows that he must deliver promptly.

Earning the Right

Arteta elaborated, stressing the daily requirement to validate his position. “My belief is that a manager needs to warrant the right to be here tomorrow. And that’s how how you react, how you talk here, how you step into the dressing room, the message you convey.”

Arteta continued, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support from the hierarchy, while singling out the squad's dedication as the key factor. “Ultimately, the key individuals are those players... Over this half-decade, I’ve seen just players with a level of attention, willingness to improve and dedicate themselves to the team.”

Latest Fitness Blow

The squad faces the weekend fixture dealing with an additional absence. Defender Ben White has been declared unavailable with a hamstring injury that is likely to keep him out for a few weeks.

Evolved Priorities

Even with the availability issues and the immense scrutiny, Arteta is confident the club's “priorities and messaging” are completely changed from when he initially took over.

Arteta highlighted the record-breaking achievements as evidence of progress. “You look at the performances, all the club records that were shattered... We still haven't been able to do that [win trophies]. But that shows the caliber we've reached.”

Arteta concluded, “It represents a quality that the Premier League has not witnessed in the past. And we want to achieve greater objectives. And if we do that, I think we are on the correct trajectory to winning.”