Ian Wright has identified three players who have most benefited from Mikel Arteta taking the reins at Arsenal: Lucas Torreira, Granit Xhaka and Shkodran Mustafi.
Arteta inherited something of a mess when taking the reins from Unai Emery at Arsenal, but he appears to be slowly turning things around in north London.
Arsenal favourite Wright has been impressed with what he has seen from Arteta, and is happy with the improved performances from some Gunners stars.
“There has been a change in organisation, closing down, intensity with the guys,” said Wright on BBC 5 Live. “People like Torreira, Xhaka, he’s turned Xhaka right around.
“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.”
(Image: Ian Wright/Youtube)
Arsenal have been leaky at the back this season, conceding 34 in the Premier League, meaning they have a goal difference of minus two.
Arteta brought in two defenders on loan in January in a bid to steady the ship, and Wright is keen to see Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares in action.
Wright added: “Unfortunately our defence was poor leading up to this and the defence is getting a little bit more solid, a couple of clean sheets, now we just need to convert the chances.
(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
“I don’t think he’s totally happy with the defence, Pablo Mari has just come in, he might make a difference.
“Saliba is going to come back from loan next season, you’re hoping that them two can make a difference. Tierney will be a major plus for us. Soares is a fantastic signing as back-up to Hector.”
