🔗 Share this article

As he approaches his sixth anniversary at the helm, Mikel Arteta has stated plainly that his continued role with the club is inextricably linked to achieving success.

Reflecting on: From Appointment to Present

Arteta was appointed on December 20th, 2019 and soon guided the team to an FA Cup victory within months. But, that early success stands as his only major honor following the departure of Unai Emery.

“I can,” he stated in response to a query about remaining in charge after his current deal. “However, it is about today. And many things need to fall into place in the near future as well to deserve that opportunity.”

Saturday night brings the six-year milestone with a match versus Everton, the identical team Arsenal played immediately following his hiring was confirmed.

League Position and Pressure

With second-placed Manchester City playing against West Ham on Saturday afternoon, Arsenal face being knocked off the summit in the Premier League before their own match begins. This potential shift despite Arteta overseeing a squad that has been plagued by over 100 injuries from the beginning of last season.

The manager is under a contract with a year and a half left on the contract he inked in 2024, but is acutely aware that success is required promptly.

Survival in the Job

The manager expanded, stressing the constant necessity to prove his worth. “My belief is that a manager must deserve the right to be here tomorrow. And that is determined by how you react, how you talk here, how you step into the dressing room, the message you convey.”

He added, commending the consistent faith from the board and owners, yet identifying the squad's dedication as paramount. “In the final analysis, the critical component are those players... Over this half-decade, I’ve seen just players with a standard of focus, willingness to improve and dedicate themselves to the team.”

Latest Fitness Blow

Arsenal faces the upcoming game managing an additional absence. Defender Ben White has been declared unavailable with a muscle problem that is likely to see him miss action for the coming weeks.

Confidence in the Path

Regardless of the availability issues and the immense scrutiny, Arteta is confident the club's “focus and dialogue” are profoundly distinct from when he initially took over.

The manager referenced the record-breaking achievements as a sign they are nearing their goal. “Examine the performances, all the historical marks we surpassed... 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 seen before in the past. And we want to achieve more lofty ambitions. And if we do that, I think we are on the right path to winning.”