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On the eve of his six-year milestone as manager, Mikel Arteta has admitted that his longevity in North London is inextricably linked to winning major honors.

A Look Back: Six Years in Charge

The former Arsenal captain assumed control on the 20th of December in 2019 and promptly led the team to an FA Cup triumph not long after. Yet, that initial silverware stands as his lone major honor after taking over from Unai Emery.

“I can,” Arteta responded upon being asked about remaining in charge after his current deal. “Yet it's about today. And numerous factors need to fall into place in the coming months as well to earn the right.”

Saturday night brings the landmark with a game facing Everton, the very same club Arsenal faced just after his hiring was confirmed.

League Position and Pressure

With second-placed Manchester City set to face West Ham in an earlier kick-off, Arsenal face being knocked off top spot in the Premier League for the first time. This situation arises despite Arteta overseeing a squad that has endured more than a century of fitness issues over the course of last season.

He is under a contract with a year and a half left on the deal he signed in 2024, yet understands fully that he must deliver promptly.

Earning the Right

The manager expanded, highlighting the constant necessity to prove his worth. “My belief is that a manager needs to warrant the right to be here tomorrow. And that depends on how you react, how you communicate, how you enter the dressing room, the message you convey.”

Arteta continued, commending the strong backing from the board and owners, yet identifying the squad's dedication as paramount. “In the final analysis, the critical component are those players... During my tenure, I’ve seen just players with a standard of focus, hunger for knowledge and give the maximum to the team.”

Squad Setbacks

The squad faces the Everton match dealing with a fresh setback. Defender Ben White has been declared unavailable with a strain that is anticipated to keep him out for the coming weeks.

A Different Club

Despite the fitness woes and the intense pressure, Arteta is confident the club's “priorities and messaging” are profoundly distinct from when he began his reign.

The manager referenced the record-breaking achievements as evidence of progress. “You look at the performances, all the records that we... were breaking... We still haven't been able to do that [win trophies]. But that shows the standard we operate at.”

He finished by saying, “That is a level that the Premier League has not witnessed in the past. And our aim is to achieve more lofty ambitions. And if we do that, I think we are on the correct trajectory to winning.”