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As he approaches his six-year milestone in charge, Mikel Arteta has admitted that his future at Arsenal is inextricably linked to achieving success.

The Journey So Far: Six Years in Charge

The former Arsenal captain took over on the 20th of December in 2019 and promptly led the team to an cup win a short time later. Yet, that initial silverware stands as his lone top-tier trophy following the departure of Unai Emery.

“Absolutely,” the manager said in response to a query about staying beyond 2027. “But it’s about today. And numerous factors must occur in the near future as well to deserve that opportunity.”

Saturday night brings the landmark with a game facing Everton, the very same club Arsenal played just after his role was made public.

Present Challenges

Given that chasing Manchester City playing against West Ham earlier in the day, Arsenal risk losing first place in the Premier League prior to their fixture. This situation arises despite Arteta presiding over a squad that has suffered over 100 injuries over the course of last season.

He is tied down by 18 months remaining on the contract he inked in 2024, yet understands fully that success is required in the immediate future.

Survival in the Job

He went on to explain, stressing the ongoing need to justify his role. “I think a manager has to earn the right to be here tomorrow. And that depends on how you react, how you communicate, how you step into the dressing room, the instructions you give.”

He added, commending the unwavering support from the hierarchy, yet identifying the team's buy-in as most crucial. “In the final analysis, the critical component are those players... During my tenure, I’ve seen just players with a level of attention, desire to learn and give the maximum to the team.”

Squad Setbacks

The squad faces the Everton match dealing with yet another injury. Defender Ben White has been sidelined with a muscle problem that is anticipated to sideline him for a few weeks.

Confidence in the Path

Even with the availability issues and the high-stakes environment, Arteta believes the club's “priorities and messaging” are completely changed from when he first arrived.

The manager referenced the record-breaking achievements as evidence of progress. “Examine the performances, all the club records that were shattered... We still haven't been able to do that [win trophies]. But that shows the caliber we've reached.”

Arteta concluded, “That is a level that the Premier League has not witnessed in the past. And our ambition is to achieve greater objectives. And if we do that, I think we are on the right path to winning.”