5 Arsenal players who have improved under Mikel Arteta

#3 Emile Smith Rowe

Arsenal v Newcastle United - FA Cup Third Round

Hailed as one of Hale End's biggest talents, Emile Smith Rowe has finally burst onto the scene in recent weeks after a string of eye-catching displays. With Mesut Ozil frozen out of the squad, Arsenal's lack of creativity was beginning to become a big problem for Mikel Arteta.

While rumors suggested that the Gunners would use the transfer market to sign a creative midfielder, the Spaniard opted to hand Smith Rowe an opportunity to shine. It's safe to say the young Englishman has impressed so far, with his inventiveness on the ball a big boost for Arsenal in recent weeks.

The Gunners will look to make the most of Smith Rowe's skillset in the second half of the season, as they aim to string together a run of wins and break into the Premier League top four.

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#2 Alexandre Lacazette

West Bromwich Albion v Arsenal - Premier League

Alexandre Lacazette's inclusion is a controversial one, but the Frenchman is one of Arteta's trusted players and has shown his quality this season. Having struggled for form and consistency under Unai Emery, Lacazette has proved to be the perfect team player under the new manager and starts more often than not when fit.

Often slated for the lack of goals, the former Lyon striker's work-rate off the ball keeps his side ticking upfront. More crucially, he has stepped up this season and scored a few important goals for his side, with club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struggling to find the back of the net.

Lacazette's long-term future might well be away from the Emirates Stadium, but the Frenchman has put in the hard yards this season and established himself as a key player for the club.

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#1 Bukayo Saka

West Bromwich Albion v Arsenal - Premier League

Bukayo Saka's rise to prominence in the past 12 months has been quite the story. the young Englishman featured regularly in the UEFA Europa League under Unai Emery but has become an indispensable member of Arteta's team in recent months. A winger by trade, Saka has also shown his quality as a left-wing back, while he is also capable of playing in an advanced midfield position.

Arsenal managed to tie down their crown jewel to a long-term contract in the summer and will look to make him the face of Arteta's project in the coming months. Saka has also been called up by Gareth Southgate for the England squad and could well be on the plane for the European Championships later this year.