Arsenal skipper Robin van Persie feels Mikel Arteta has stepped up a level since his arrival.

Arteta was a deadline-day signing from Everton in August and he has impressed the Dutch striker.

"What I really like at the moment is that you can see people stepping up a level and growing in confidence," Van Persie told the Official Arsenal Matchday Programme. "I can really notice that around the team.

"For example, Mikel Arteta is playing really well. He's so intelligent. He knows when to go forward, he knows when to sit back. Sometimes Alex Song makes a run forward, and because of his experience, Mikel can read the game perfectly, knows when to go forward, when to help his team out, or when to play for others.

"Everyone can see he has grown into his role, and you can tell he has played many games in the Premier League."