Xabi Alonso feels he’s spotted something about Mikel Arteta that could help Arsenal win the title.

As pre-season friendly go, Wednesday night’s triumph over Bayer Leverkusen could not have gone any better.

Arsenal put on a show against the Bundesliga champions in north London, just over a week before their first encounter against Wolves.

Mikel Arteta’s side won 4-1 following an outstanding opening 45 minutes in which Arsenal lead by three goals at the break.

It is important to remember that Leverkusen went unbeaten in the Bundesliga last season.

And, it is fair to say, Xabi Alonso has been taken aback by something he has discovered about the Arsenal manager that may help them win the title.

What Xabi Alonso discovered about Mikel Arteta at Arsenal
Arsenal enters the new season knowing there isn’t much between them and Manchester City at the top of the standings.

Only two points separated the Gunners and Pep Guardiola’s side, which might easily be reversed this summer with some quality acquisitions.

Arsenal has only brought in one player so far, Riccardo Calafiori, and he was not on display on Wednesday night.

However, there is one aspect of Arsenal’s manager that has impressed the Bundesliga-winning boss.

Speaking after the game in north London, in which his team was defeated, Alonso agreed Arteta’s competitiveness is quite astonishing.

“He is competitive. He is an animal. He’s created an excellent project. “As a young kid, you could tell he only wanted to win,” remarked the Leverkusen manager when asked what Arteta possesses that could help Arsenal win the league.