🔗 Share this article Mikel Arteta Concedes Extended Role Hinges on Winning Silverware. As he approaches his sixth anniversary as manager, Mikel Arteta has stated plainly that his future at Arsenal is fundamentally dependent to achieving success. A Look Back: From Appointment to Present The former Arsenal captain was appointed on 20 December 2019 and promptly led the team to an FA Cup victory a short time later. However, that first major trophy is still his only top-tier trophy since succeeding Unai Emery. “Yes,” the manager said upon being asked about staying beyond 2027. “However, it is about today. And numerous factors have to happen in the next few months as well to deserve that opportunity.” This weekend sees the anniversary with a match versus Everton, the very same club Arsenal faced just after his role was made public. Present Challenges As second-placed Manchester City set to face West Ham on Saturday afternoon, Arsenal risk losing top spot in the Premier League prior to their fixture. This comes despite Arteta overseeing a squad that has been plagued by more than a century of fitness issues since the start of last season. He currently has 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. Earning the Right He went on to explain, stressing the constant necessity to validate his position. “My belief is that a manager must deserve the right to be here tomorrow. And that’s how how you react, how you talk here, how you step into the dressing room, the instructions you give.” He added, commending the unwavering support from the club's ownership, yet identifying the team's buy-in as most crucial. “In the final analysis, the most important ones are those players... For six years, I’ve seen just players with a level of attention, desire to learn and give their all to the team.” Injury Concerns Arsenal approaches the weekend fixture dealing with yet another injury. Defender Ben White has been declared unavailable with a muscle problem that is anticipated to keep him out for several weeks. Evolved Priorities Despite the fitness woes and the high-stakes environment, Arteta feels the club's “priorities and messaging” are profoundly distinct from when he initially took over. The manager referenced the squad's displays as a sign they are nearing their goal. “Examine the performances, all the club records that were shattered... We still haven’t managed to do that [win trophies]. But that shows the standard we operate at.” He finished by saying, “This is a standard that the Premier League has never experienced in the past. And our ambition is to achieve greater objectives. And if we do that, I think we are on the correct trajectory to winning.”