Mikel Arteta Has Turned Xhaka And Mustafi Around – Ian Wright

Ian Wright pointed out some of the obvious improvements Mikel Arteta has made, especially bringing out the best in Granit Xhaka and Shkodran Mustafi.

Arsenal fans were a bit disappointed to record their 13th draw of the Premier League season against Burnley last weekend.

It was dreary end to a Turf Moor outing with the hosts coming very close to grabbing all three points. Arteta went with a backline partnership of Mustafi and David Luiz with Granit Xhaka and Matteo Guendouzi made to play in front of them.

Bukayo Saka’s injury forced the Gunners boss to switch Xhaka to the left-back post and bring on Lucas Torreira. As Burnley gained momentum through the game, Arsenal did manage to hold their own, showcasing some brilliant defensive abilities which was previously absent in this team.

“He’s turned Xhaka right around,” Wright said. “He’s got something out of Mustafi, Mustafi played well against Burnley the other day. Things are happening but it’s going to take its time.

“Unfortunately, our defence was poor leading up to it (Arteta taking over). Now the defence is getting a little bit more solid, couple of clean sheets we’ve had. Now we just need to convert the chances.”