🚨BREAKING NEWS: “He’s completely transformed us into one of the most feared sides in Europe. From the day he joined, whether in training or during matches, his focus and commitment have been on another level,” Mikel Arteta admits, finally naming the ONE Arsenal player who’s changing their entire season — not Gyökeres and not Rice.

Mikel Arteta couldn’t hold back his praise as he revealed the player who’s quietly transforming Arsenal into one of the most feared teams in Europe. “He’s changed the mentality of this squad,” Arteta admitted. “In training and in matches, his seriousness and intensity stand out. He’s been a driving force since the day he arrived.” Surprisingly, he wasn’t talking about Gyökeres or Declan Rice, but about Riccardo Calafiori — the Italian left-back who’s redefining what it means to play with purpose.

 

Arsenal kept their red-hot form going with a 2-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor, showing complete dominance from start to finish. It was a game that felt more like a statement than a routine win. The Gunners entered as favourites and left no doubt about why they sit atop the Premier League table. Every pass, every move, every defensive stand carried intent — the kind that comes from a team united in vision and fire.

 

The goals came early and efficiently, with Viktor Gyökeres and Declan Rice finding the net in the first half. The rhythm was all Arsenal — fast, fluid, and frighteningly sharp. Burnley could barely keep up as Arteta’s side sliced through them like a team possessed. If not for a few missed chances, the scoreline could have been much harsher.

 

After the game, when asked about Calafiori, Arteta’s face lit up. The Italian defender, who once struggled with injuries and inconsistency, has emerged this season as one of Arsenal’s most dependable players. “Very good,” Arteta said simply, his tone full of quiet satisfaction. “He’s been really stable with some big performances. A huge contributor to what we’re doing defensively.”

 

But Arteta didn’t stop there. He highlighted Calafiori’s dual threat — his defensive composure and his ability to launch attacks from deep. “He gives us a lot in attack with his positioning and his threat,” the manager continued. “He creates chaos for the opposition. He’s growing into a complete player.” Those words carried weight — praise from a perfectionist like Arteta isn’t handed out easily.

 

Calafiori’s performance against Burnley backed every bit of his manager’s praise. Completing 91% of his passes, he neutralized Kyle Walker’s attacking advances, made six clearances, and recovered possession three times. He dominated both ground and aerial duels, and even came close to scoring himself — the kind of all-round display that turns heads quietly but firmly.

 

It’s no wonder he’s become the undisputed starter over young Myles Lewis-Skelly, who had a remarkable breakthrough last season. Yet, Arteta knows competition fuels progress. With a talented squad breathing down each other’s necks, no one can afford to ease up — not even a £35 million star like Calafiori.

 

With this win, Arsenal stretch their lead at the top to seven points and notch their ninth consecutive victory across all competitions. Next stop: Sparta Prague in the Champions League. Arteta is expected to rotate the squad, with Lewis-Skelly likely stepping in, but make no mistake — Calafiori’s influence is already etched into Arsenal’s current success story. The man Arteta praised isn’t just filling a role; he’s reshaping what it means to wear the badge.