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'Communication unlocks potential'

Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta believes one of the key factors behind Arsenal’s fine run of form has been improved communication on the pitch.

The Gunners have won six of their past seven Premier League matches and also became the second team this season to beat Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena.

"There's no point just talking for the sake of talking - you only open your mouth to say something important or relevant"

Arteta says the vocal nature of their display in Germany showed the team the importance of communication and they have taken that into the Premier League.

“We have improved [since the Bayern game], but there is still further room to improve too,” Arteta told Arsenal.com.

“You talk whenever you think it is necessary. There's no point just talking for the sake of talking - you only open your mouth to say something important or relevant. If not, it is better to keep your mouth shut!

“Communication can [help the team unlock its potential], it's one of the things that can be improved. From the things we can do as a group, I think this is one of the important factors.”

Arteta admits that Arsene Wenger can use him, as vice-captain, to deliver messages to the team during matches.

“Sometimes he does, because he knows that we can do it,” he said. “His way of managing the group is very simple and if it was not that way he would be able to be here for 16 years, that's for sure.”