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As he approaches his six-year milestone as manager, Mikel Arteta has admitted that his future at Arsenal is inextricably linked to delivering trophies.

The Journey So Far: The Arteta Era

Arteta assumed control on 20 December 2019 and managed to steer the team to an FA Cup triumph within months. Yet, that first major trophy is still his lone major honor since succeeding 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 coming months as well to warrant that continuation.”

This weekend sees the anniversary with a game facing Everton, the exact opponent Arsenal faced just after his role was made public.

The Current Landscape

As chasing Manchester City playing against West Ham in an earlier kick-off, Arsenal could be displaced first place in the Premier League for the first time. This potential shift notwithstanding Arteta overseeing a squad that has endured over 100 injuries since the start of last season.

Arteta currently has 18 months to run on the deal he signed in 2024, but is acutely aware that results must come promptly.

Survival in the Job

The manager expanded, emphasizing the daily requirement to justify his role. “In my view a manager has to earn the right to be here tomorrow. And that depends on how you react, how you address the media, how you step into the dressing room, the instructions you give.”

He added, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support from the club's ownership, while singling out the squad's dedication as most crucial. “Ultimately, the key individuals are those players... During my tenure, I’ve seen just players with a standard of focus, willingness to improve and give their all to the team.”

Injury Concerns

The team faces the weekend fixture managing an additional absence. Defender Ben White has been declared unavailable with a muscle problem that is expected to keep him out for several weeks.

A Different Club

Despite the availability issues and the intense pressure, Arteta believes the club's “objectives and communication” are vastly different from when he began his reign.

Arteta highlighted the team's performances as proof they are close. “Consider the performances, all the club records that were shattered... We still haven’t managed to do that [win trophies]. But that shows the level we are at.”

In closing, the manager stated, “It represents a quality that the Premier League has not seen before in the past. And our aim is to achieve even higher goals. And if we do that, I think we are on the proper course to winning.”