Mikel Arteta warned Granit Xhaka could be axed from Arsenal, if he did not adapt to a new role in the team.
The boss told the 30-year-old Swiss captain that he had to change position to be most effective for the Gunners.
The command seems to have worked wonders, with Arsenal five points clear of reigning Premier League holders Man City going into the second half of the season.
Xhaka has three goals and three assists in 14 league games so far this season, as he has evolved amid a flurry of enticing attacking options at the North London club.