Mikel Arteta saw his Arsenal side defeated by Brighton and Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup during midweek with a much-rotated starting XI.

The defeat probably won't affect the Spaniard too much, with much greater prizes on offer this term, winning a first Premier League crown since 2004 being the priority, however, it was a chance to win a trophy and continue to build this newfound winning mentality at the club.

With a lack of bite in the centre of the pitch against Brighton, Arteta must unleash Granit Xhaka against Wolves this evening in a bid to bounce back to winning ways.

On the chalkboard

Xhaka has come in for some criticism during his spell at Arsenal but the midfielder has hit new heights this campaign.

Arteta has moulded the 30-year-old into a far more dynamic player than he has been in the past, adding more goals and assists to his game.

Indeed, in just 13 Premier League matches this season, Xhaka has registered three goals and three assists, which is the same number as his total league goal contributions over the previous two full seasons, proving that this transition to a more creative player has been a masterstroke by Arteta.

This hasn’t just led to more goals and assists, the Swiss international has also made 1.5 key passes per match while he has succeeded with 67% of his attempted dribbles, showing he has the added confidence to beat players with ease.

The Spaniard has dubbed the 30-year-old as “phenomenal” previously, while Gunners legend Ray Parlour has been particularly pleased with Arsenal's start to the season, especially with Xhaka, saying he has been “absolutely brilliant this year” and if he continues his current form, the North London side will be in with a great shout to add a trophy or two come to the end of the campaign.

It may have taken six years, but Xhaka finally appears to be delivering for the club on a consistent basis and Arteta will hope he doesn’t come back from the World Cup fatigued, or even worse, injured.