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On the eve of his six-year milestone in charge, Mikel Arteta has made it clear that his future at Arsenal is fundamentally dependent to winning major honors.

The Journey So Far: Six Years in Charge

Arteta assumed control on the 20th of December in 2019 and managed to steer the team to an cup win a short time later. However, that early success stands as his sole major honor since succeeding Unai Emery.

“I can,” the manager said upon being asked about remaining in charge after his current deal. “However, it is about today. And a lot of things have to happen in the next few months as well to deserve that opportunity.”

He will mark the landmark with a game facing Everton, the very same club Arsenal faced the day after his hiring was confirmed.

Present Challenges

Given that second-placed Manchester City set to face West Ham in an earlier kick-off, Arsenal risk losing first place in the Premier League for the first time. This potential shift notwithstanding Arteta managing a squad that has suffered over 100 injuries over the course of last season.

He is under a contract with 18 months remaining on the contract he inked in 2024, however, he knows that he must deliver in the immediate future.

The Manager's Mandate

Arteta elaborated, emphasizing the ongoing need to prove his worth. “My belief is that a manager must deserve the right to be here tomorrow. And that depends on how you react, how you communicate, how you step into the dressing room, the signal you send.”

Arteta continued, praising the strong backing from the board and owners, yet identifying the squad's dedication as most crucial. “At the end, 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 upcoming game coping with a fresh setback. Defender Ben White has been ruled out with a strain that is expected to keep him out for several weeks.

A Different Club

Regardless of the fitness woes and the high-stakes environment, Arteta is confident the club's “objectives and communication” are profoundly distinct from when he initially took over.

The manager referenced the team's performances as proof they are close. “You look at 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.”

Arteta concluded, “It represents a quality that the Premier League has not witnessed 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.”