Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta made a key decision regarding his preferred formation for the new season and it's been a successful change so far.
The Spaniard has moved away from his previous 4-2-3-1 formation in favour of a 4-3-3 to offer more control in midfield by dropping club captain Martin Odegaard into a central midfield role alongside Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka. The new system offers the option for more flexibility with Partey able to sit as a holding midfielder whilst Xhaka and Odegaard press forward and get involved in attacking moves.
This has been highlighted by the improvement in Xhaka's performances with the Swiss midfielder enjoying a brilliant spell of form, scoring two goals and providing a further three assists in his first nine appearances of the new campaign. The 30-year-old was once close to leaving the Emirates Stadium before Arteta convinced him to stay and turn his career around, a decision that is now paying dividends for the Gunners.
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Xhaka looked as though there was no way back for him after blasting the Arsenal supporters during an outburst on the pitch, but he is quickly becoming a fan-favourite amongst Gunners fans. The Switzerland international has rightly been praised for his performances so far this season, and now he has been labelled as Arsenal's very own Kevin De Bruyne.
Speaking to The Weekend Wrap, former Everton midfielder Leon Osman said: “He's [Xhaka] Arsenal’s left-footed Kevin De Bruyne. Further up the pitch, getting on the ball, making things happen.
"He’s making assists, scoring goals, beautifully-flighted passes. Such a strong character in the dressing room, a player the others look to.”
Arteta has moved Xhaka into a more attacking role after being utilised as a holding midfielder for the previous six years, a position which saw the Swiss midfielder consistently run into trouble with referees and limit his creative potential. The Spaniard has now unlocked his full potential as Xhaka provided a goal threat from midfield, similar to that of the Manchester City superstar.
It's not just his performances on the pitch but his leadership and respect from his teammates that has caught the eye in recent weeks. Following Thomas Partey's opening goal in the North London Derby, Xhaka gathered the team together in a huddle in order to re-focus his teammates to ensure they took the three points.
The 30-year-old also acknowledged his mistake in the build-up to Harry Kane's equalising penalty during the half-time break. It was reported by the Daily Mail that he apologised to his teammates for his failed clearance just moments before Gabriel Magalhaes chopped down Richarlison in the penalty box.
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