Ian Wright believes Arteta has improved Xhaka and Mustafi at Arsenal

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Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright believes Mikel Arteta has overseen improvements in two of the club’s most maligned players in recent times in Granit Xhaka and Shkodran Mustafi.

The Spaniard has experienced a mixed bag in terms of results – in his nine games in charge so far, he has recorded three wins, five draws and one defeat.

It can be argued that Arteta will need a few transfer windows and time in order to see results pick up.

Despite the somewhat uninspiring start, Arteta has seemingly had a positive influence on a number of individuals, and Wright reckons Xhaka and Mustafi have both responded well.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, he said: “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.”

Xhaka (£35 million from Borussia Monchengladbach, BBC Sport) and Mustafi (£35 million from Valencia, BBC Sport) have been two of Arsenal’s most criticised players over the past few years, and there have previously been calls for both to be sold.

TBR’s view – The promise is there under Arteta

Xhaka and Mustafi has indeed responded brightly to Arteta succeeding Unai Emery at the Emirates Stadium.

It was a sticky situation for Xhaka when the Spaniard arrived and he seemed like he would be leaving.

But not only has he been convinced to stay, but the Switzerland midfielder has actually taken responsibility and become a key member of the team.

Barring the one defeat to Chelsea, he’s started every game under Arteta and actually looks something of a leader.

Arsenal are going in the right direction under Arteta, but it’s as Wright says, he will need time for everything to come to fruition.