It will be exactly six years since Mikel Arteta took charge of Arsenal when the Premier League leaders travel to Everton on Saturday, aiming to protect their two-point advantage as they chase a first league title since 2004.

Since his appointment, Arteta has guided the North London club to an FA Cup and two Community Shield triumphs, but the Premier League title has so far eluded him, with Arsenal finishing runners-up in each of the past three seasons.

“One person can’t change everything, especially at a club of this size,” Arteta said on Friday, reflecting on his tenure. “You need a lot of committed people around you who share the same vision, work ethic and passion.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have that support, starting from the people making decisions above me. But the most important ones are the players. They have to believe in what you say and what you do, and I feel very lucky because they give 100% every single day.”

Arsenal arrive on Merseyside after a scrappy win over bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers, secured by two own goals. However, their away form has been inconsistent, with no victories in their last three league matches on the road, including a defeat to Aston Villa managed by Unai Emery, the man Arteta replaced at Arsenal.

Arteta’s side have beaten Emery’s Villa just once in their last five meetings, while Everton boss David Moyes has also proved a tough opponent, losing only one of his last five matches against Arsenal.

Arteta knows Moyes well, having played under him at Everton for six years before joining Arsenal in 2011.

“He taught me his love for the game and the integrity it demands at all costs,” Arteta said. “He’s a remarkable man, and I’m very grateful for everything he did for me and for Everton.”

Arsenal will not welcome back any injured players this weekend. Defender Ben White is set to miss the next few games, although Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes are closing in on a return.

Arteta also expressed excitement about visiting Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first time.

“It feels strange but very exciting,” he said. “We’ll have the opportunity to play and hopefully win in the incredible stadium they’ve built.”