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Arteta - Santi is dangerous on the left

12/13: Arsena 2-1 Aston Villa - Santi Cazorla

Mikel Arteta believes Santi Cazorla’s fine recent Premier League form is a consequence of his new role in the team.

Cazorla has been deployed on the left in recent weeks and has scored three goals in his last two Premier League games.

The 28-year-old scored his 10th and 11th of the season to see off Aston Villa on Saturday, and Arteta says the ex-Malaga man is a regular matchwinner for Arsene Wenger’s team.

“I think he’s been outstanding,” Arteta said. “He’s played almost every game and is probably the only one [to have done that].

“The way he plays, he takes a lot of knocks and plays a demanding game physically as well. To adapt to the Premier League in his first year and do what he’s doing, I think we have to clap him. He deserves that.

“He seems to be comfortable when he plays off the left. He’s got a lot of freedom and he causes problems to the other teams because we can use the extra man in midfield.

“I think he’s a player that can make the difference with his ability. I think Jack’s another one of them that has something special that can decide a game or can unlock a door when the game is really tight, as he did today with the ball to Nacho. For us, they are very important players.

“I think he [Cazorla] needed a few goals like that. He helped the team to earn the points today. He was outstanding - his overall play as well. He was involved in many areas of the pitch today and he’s a top player.”