07 April 2023 , 21:18
640
0
Mikel Arteta believes that a mentality shift is one of the reasons behind Granit Xhaka's purple patch in front of goal this season.
The former Arsenal captain, 30, has been influential in the Gunners' surprise title bid this term and has enjoyed his most productive campaign ever in front of goal after chipping in with seven goals and five assists in all competitions.
Xhaka has flourished after being handed a license to roam by Arteta and heads into Sunday's seismic showdown against Liverpool with four goals and an assist to his name from his last five matches for both club and country.
When Arteta was asked for the secret to Xhaka's turnaround ahead of this weekend's big match, the Spaniard insisted that a multitude of factors have played a role in the Swiss midfielder's renaissance.
He told reporters: "It clicked. Mentality. Feeling capable of doing it, understanding where he needs to be positioned in the right moments, training every single day. [He is] willing to improve and support the team in the areas that we felt was necessary for the team to take another step forward in our way of playing."
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
Xhaka's best ever season caps a remarkable turnaround for the midfielder, whose position at the club seemed untenable back in 2019 when he was booed off the pitch by fans during Unai Emery's reign.
But Xhaka has revealed that it was Arteta who convinced him to tough it out in a bid to salvage his Arsenal career.
Join the debate! Do you think Arsenal will get the job done and beat Man City to the title? Let us know here.
Mikel Arteta is interested in a player who Granit Xhaka knows well (David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Speaking to beIN Sports back in March, Xhaka said: "There was one guy [who was responsible for him staying at the club] his name is Mikel Arteta. I will always support him, it doesn’t matter what happens.
"Without him, I am 100 per cent sure I would not be in the club anymore. He knows that, I have a very good and honest relationship with him. It doesn’t matter what happens on the pitch, I will never ever be against him or say something against him.
"He deserves my respect, but the respect from my family as well. I was gone. I did not want to wear the shirt anymore. He gave me the feeling to do it again. I am very proud of myself to wear the shirt again with a lot of respect and love, hopefully we can end this with a trophy."
Arsenal are currently eight points clear of Manchester City at the summit of the Premier League ahead of the final round of fixtures but will have to negotiate a tricky fixture against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. The defending champions face struggling Southampton on Saturday evening.