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As he approaches his half-decade plus one year as manager, Mikel Arteta has made it clear that his longevity in North London is inextricably linked to winning major honors.

The Journey So Far: From Appointment to Present

The former Arsenal captain assumed control on the 20th of December in 2019 and soon guided the team to an FA Cup victory not long after. However, that first major trophy stands as his only major honor since succeeding Unai Emery.

“I can,” he stated upon being asked 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 warrant that continuation.”

Saturday night brings the landmark with a match versus Everton, the exact opponent Arsenal faced the day after his appointment was announced.

Present Challenges

With second-placed Manchester City playing against West Ham in an earlier kick-off, Arsenal could be displaced the summit in the Premier League before their own match begins. This situation arises notwithstanding Arteta overseeing a squad that has suffered more than a century of fitness issues since the start of last season.

The manager is tied down by a year and a half left on the contract he inked in 2024, but is acutely aware that success is required sooner rather than later.

Survival in the Job

The manager expanded, highlighting the ongoing need to justify his role. “I think a manager has to earn the right to be here tomorrow. And that’s how how you react, how you communicate, how you go into the dressing room, the signal you send.”

He added, praising the unwavering support from the hierarchy, yet identifying the team's buy-in as most crucial. “Ultimately, the critical component are those players... For six years, I’ve seen just players with a degree of commitment, hunger for knowledge and give the maximum to the team.”

Latest Fitness Blow

Arsenal faces the weekend fixture coping with an additional absence. Defender Ben White has been ruled out with a strain that is anticipated to see him miss action for the coming weeks.

Confidence in the Path

Even with the injury crisis and the immense scrutiny, Arteta feels the club's “focus and dialogue” are profoundly distinct from when he initially took over.

He pointed to the record-breaking achievements as a sign they are nearing their goal. “Examine the performances, all the records that we... were breaking... We still haven’t managed to do that [win trophies]. But that indicates the caliber we've reached.”

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