Thomas Partey has been challenged to bring his A-game more consistently after scoring in Arsenal's win over Leicester City.
The Ghanaian headed home his side's opener on Sunday afternoon as they continued their charge for the top four.
Partey was Mikel Arteta's marquee summer arrival in 2020 but has struggled to replicate the levels he showed at Atletico Madrid.
Now though, following several injury woes, the midfielder looks to be becoming increasingly influential for the Gunners.
Arteta was always confident that with more time and experience the 28-year-old would begin to prove his worth at the Emirates and now wants to see him doing it on a regular basis.
The Spaniard said: "You could see he was voted player of the month last month and he's come a long way, he has the consistency and the minutes, he understands what we want much better.
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"I think his cohesion and understanding with the rest of the players is getting better and better and now it is about consistency and to keep doing it."
Roy Keane has previously singled out Partey for his qualities and backed him to become an integral figure.
Back in January 2021 the midfielder had continued to struggle with fitness, but the former Manchester United skipper was in no doubt he'd come good.
Keane said: "He’s going to be a big player for Arsenal over the next few years. His track record... he’s used to playing in the biggest games, we know the important role in the middle of the park for Arsenal, they’ve lacked the physical presence.
"I’ve got no doubt that if he stays fit – which we’ll probably see more of next season – then he’ll be a big player for Arsenal.”
Partey had been in a man of the match display as Arsenal won on the red half of Manchester last season.
This term he's played at the base of midfield alongside Granit Xhaka, with the pair striking up a solid partnership which has allowed the team's attacking players to flourish.
Partey has started 20 times for Arsenal in the Premier League thus far.
Arteta also confessed he was often hugely demanding of his midfielder, which has played a part in his rise.
He said when quizzed on the reasons behind Partey's contributions and said: "Probably being on his neck everyday, because he needs it a little bit. It comes from the player though I think.
"We discussed it in the press conference the other day a little bit, but I think when a player accepts their reality, and when a player accepts that - OK he wants to be in a different position - you can’t expect that (change) to happen if you don’t change anything that you do.
"So he has started to do many other things, and you can see that he is enjoying being on the pitch, and this is what we want."
