Xhaka started the season in fine form, producing two goals and two assists in the opening weeks of the season, but soon reverted to the norm.
However, Xhaka heads to Anfield on Sunday with four goals and one assist in his last five games for club and country, and Arteta believes he knows what has changed.
Asked for a reason for Xhaka’s increased goal output, Arteta said: “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.”
Arteta also singled Ben White out for praise. The centre-back has been playing in right-back for much of the season and scored against Leeds in another big win last time out.
“I’m extremely happy with him,” Arteta said. “He’s adapted to the position really well. The way they flow, the way they play together with a few players and the way they link up has been great. He’ll have other opportunities for sure.”
