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Ahead of marking his six-year milestone as manager, Mikel Arteta has admitted that his future at Arsenal is directly connected to achieving success.

Reflecting on: From Appointment to Present

Arteta assumed control on the 20th of December in 2019 and managed to steer the team to an cup win a short time later. But, that initial silverware remains his lone significant piece of silverware after taking over from Unai Emery.

“Absolutely,” the manager said in response to a query about his future past 2027. “However, it is about today. And numerous factors must occur in the next few months as well to deserve that opportunity.”

He will mark the anniversary with a game facing Everton, the exact opponent Arsenal faced the day after his role was made public.

Present Challenges

Given that chasing Manchester City taking on West Ham earlier in the day, Arsenal could be displaced the summit in the Premier League before their own match begins. This comes despite Arteta managing a squad that has been plagued by over 100 injuries since the start of last season.

Arteta currently has 18 months to run on the extension he agreed to in 2024, yet understands fully that success is required promptly.

Survival in the Job

He went on to explain, stressing the constant necessity to prove his worth. “I think a manager has to earn 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 instructions you give.”

He stated further, praising the strong backing from the hierarchy, while singling out the players' commitment as the key factor. “At the end, the most important ones are those players... For six years, I’ve seen just players with a standard of focus, desire to learn and dedicate themselves to the team.”

Injury Concerns

Arsenal faces the upcoming game dealing with yet another injury. Defender Ben White has been sidelined with a hamstring injury that is anticipated to sideline him for the coming weeks.

Evolved Priorities

Despite the injury crisis and the high-stakes environment, Arteta believes the club's “focus and dialogue” are profoundly distinct from when he first arrived.

The manager referenced the team's performances as a sign they are nearing their goal. “Examine 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.”

Arteta concluded, “This is a standard that the Premier League has not seen before 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.”