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As he approaches his half-decade plus one year as manager, Mikel Arteta has stated plainly that his future at Arsenal is inextricably linked to achieving success.

Reflecting on: From Appointment to Present

The former Arsenal captain took over on December 20th, 2019 and managed to steer the team to an FA Cup triumph not long after. However, that initial silverware is still his sole top-tier trophy following the departure of Unai Emery.

“Absolutely,” he stated in response to a query about his future past 2027. “However, it is about today. And a lot of things must occur in the near future as well to warrant that continuation.”

This weekend sees the landmark with a match versus Everton, the exact opponent Arsenal played the day after his appointment was announced.

League Position and Pressure

Given that second-placed Manchester City taking on West Ham on Saturday afternoon, Arsenal face being knocked off the summit in the Premier League before their own match begins. This situation arises notwithstanding Arteta overseeing a squad that has endured more than a century of fitness issues from the beginning of last season.

The manager is tied down by a year and a half left on the extension he agreed to in 2024, however, he knows that success is required sooner rather than later.

Survival in the Job

Arteta elaborated, emphasizing the daily requirement to prove his worth. “In my view a manager has to earn the right to be here tomorrow. And that is determined by how you react, how you address the media, how you go into the dressing room, the signal you send.”

He stated further, commending the strong backing from the board and owners, but pinpointing the squad's dedication as most crucial. “In the final analysis, 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.”

Squad Setbacks

The team heads into the Everton match dealing with an additional absence. Defender Ben White has been declared unavailable with a strain that is anticipated to see him miss action for a few weeks.

A Different Club

Even with the fitness woes and the immense scrutiny, Arteta believes the club's “objectives and communication” are completely changed from when he first arrived.

The manager referenced the team's performances as a sign they are nearing their goal. “You look at the performances, all the records that we... were breaking... We still have yet to do that [win trophies]. But that tells you the caliber we've reached.”

In closing, the manager stated, “This is a standard that the Premier League has not witnessed in the past. And our aim is to achieve greater objectives. And if we do that, I think we are on the proper course to winning.”