Mikel Arteta has praised the willingness Mesut Ozil has so far shown to work for the team since his appointment as Arsenal head coach last month.
The Spaniard immediately sought to offer the German a way back into the starting line up following a period in which he was cast aside by Unai Emery.
After showing some promising signs in his early steps under the new regime at London Colney, the 31-year-old was one of the best performers at the Emirates Stadium as Manchester United were beaten on New Year's Day.
Not only did the World Cup-winning playmaker help to set up one of the goals by playing in Ainsley Maitland-Niles to win the corner that led to the Gunners doubling their lead but he also won back the ball 10 times - more than any other Arsenal player.
Ozil also reportedly covered 11.5 kilometers against United, and in his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Leeds United in the FA Cup, Arteta addressed the change in form from the midfielder, and his running distance.
"I haven't checked the physical stats yet," said the Arsenal head coach. "I was checking on other things that are, in my opinion, more relevant.
"But just by looking at him and what he did on that pitch, I would say so yes."
Arteta was also asked about whether he had spoken to Ozil about raising his work rate in games.
"Yes," said the Spaniard. "But not just individually to him. To all the players individually and collectively, with what I expect from them and what they have to expect from each other when they are in that football pitch. He is no different."
Consistency will be key for Ozil after his apparent return to form under Arteta.
The former Real Madrid creator had his moments under Emery too, most notably in a 3-1 thrashing of Leicester City in October 2018 where he ran the show for the Gunners.
Maintaining the intensity of his performances, as well as his quality in possession, will be key if he is to continue to thrive under Arteta.
"He's got the same capacity to run like any other player," said the Arsenal boss. "It's about will and about wanting to do it."
