Mikel Arteta has revealed that he spoke to Arsenal star Granit Xhaka at the end of last season demanding he have more of an impact in the attacking third. The Gunners currently sit top of the Premier League with 12 wins from 14 games and it's absolutely fair to say that Xhaka has succeeded in the task set by his manager.
In the previous three seasons, the 30-year-old had provided three goal contributions in each campaign yet within just three games of the 2022/23 season, he had matched that tally. A goal and an assist in the 4-2 win over Leicester and an assist against Bournemouth showed that Xhaka had certainly taken his manager's advice on board and thus endeared himself in the eyes of Arsenal fans.
Midfield contributions have been a particular strength of the Gunners this season, with Thomas Partey also adding goals to his game along with Martin Odegaard, who sits as the Gunners top scorer, following his brace against Wolves, before the season was paused for the World Cup.
READ MORE: Edu handed Cody Gakpo warning as £50m transfer 'risks upsetting Arsenal dressing room'
Along with his new attacking role, it also seems as though Xhaka has removed himself from tense situations where he would often lose his temper with a different Arsenal star becoming the unnamed aggressor in the team.
Arsenal return to Premier League action against West Ham on Boxing Day with Arteta offering the latest news ahead of the fixture in his press conference, which included an update on William Saliba's availability.
On whether or not the Frenchman will be involved after his World Cup exploits, he said: "Let’s see depending on how he comes back as well. We have the data on what he’s done in training in terms of minutes he didn’t participate much but it was a huge experience for him. Let’s see. When he gets back we’ll see."
Arteta has also been speaking to Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher about a number of different topics including his five-phase Arsenal plan. The Spaniard has now also explained what he told Xhaka that has helped him transform his career in north London.
He said: "I spoke to him at the end of the season and I told him 'I need to unlock something in your brain because you are so comfortable and confident playing in this area [defensive third], but what you have forgotten is what is going to win us the game is here [attacking third].'
"The team now demands somebody here. Unless you unlock that, then you are going to have to do something about it and he took it straight away."
As Arteta says, the Swiss midfielder took the advice on board immediately and he currently sits on four goals and three assist from 20 games and shows no sign of stopping his contribution to goals any time soon.
READ NEXT:
Kylian Mbappe's 63-hour message to William Saliba hands Arsenal boost ahead of West Ham
Gabriel Martinelli 'close' to signing new Arsenal contract triggers stunning Bukayo Saka theory
The three things that must happen when Arsenal face West Ham in Premier League return
Arsenal to avoid naming Mykhaylo Mudryk in Premier League squad if £40m transfer is completed
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: The latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
