From Kepa to Xhaka: This season's Premier League redemption stories
Likewise, Kepa Arrizabalaga has also turned over a new leaf this season and finally looks to be living up to his 'most expensive goalkeeper in the world' tag.
With the two players embarking on strong redemption arcs over the last few months, Flashscore takes a look at what has changed - as well as some other players going through similarly impressive transformations.
Granit Xhaka (30, Arsenal)
Xhaka was once captain of Arsenal, but an infamous incident where he threw his kit on the floor and gestured towards the supporters when he was substituted during a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace saw him stripped of the title. That was just one of the numerous occasions where it looked like his Gunners career might be over, only for him to bounce back this season and look like a completely new player.
The Swiss midfielder has been integral to the side's success over the last three months, acting as a sensible senior figure in a youthful set-up - a far cry from his previous behaviour. Xhaka is quickly becoming a fans favourite at the Emirates and could be at the forefront of a special season with the north London club.
Kepa Arrizabalaga (28, Chelsea)
The Spaniard is still the world's most expensive goalkeeper after he was bought by the Blues for £71.6 million in 2018, but until the arrival of Graham Potter he had failed to live up to the hype surrounding him. Kepa looked shot of confidence and had an infamous incident of his own when he refused to be substituted before the penalty shootout in the 2019 League Cup final. His shootout antics continued again in the 2022 final, as he missed his penalty against Liverpool with Chelsea going on to lose in the final again.
Since his reinstatement to the side, he has kept five clean sheets and only conceded eight times in 11 games - keeping Edouard Mendy (30) out of the side in the process. Unfortunately, he will be injured for the match on Sunday, and won't be returning until after the World Cup.
Miguel Almiron (28, Newcastle United)
Arguably the most dramatic change this season has been the improvement of Almiron. The Paraguayan looked out of his depth in England's top flight for a long time, even being subject to taunts from fellow professionals such as Jack Grealish (27). He looked set to be replaced during the summer, with plenty of fans calling for the addition of a new right winger, but his performances this season have proved doubters wrong.
Almiron has netted seven times in the Premier League - including three goals in his last three games - surpassing the levels expected of him when he arrived from the MLS with so much promise in 2019.
Joelinton (26, Newcastle United)
Although his resurgence has taken place more over the last 12 months rather than this season alone, Joelinton looks like a completely different player to the unconfident striker that scored just twice in his first 46 league games.
Switching to a midfield role has rejuvenated his career on Tyneside, with the Brazilian becoming one of Newcastle's most important players - and his goals tally has even improved too (he's now on 11 at time of writing in the league).
Aleksandar Mitrovic (28, Fulham)
Despite a record-breaking season in the Championship last year - with the Serbian scoring 43 goals - Mitrovic was yet to prove himself in the top division. The 2020/21 Premier League season cast doubt over his top-flight ability with just three goals to his name, but his return to the Premier League has pushed any doubt aside.
Mitrovic has already netted nine goals in 12 games, a feat that would have gained far more attention had it not been for the brilliance of Erling Haaland (22). He is key to everything Fulham do, and has been pivotal to their strong start to the season as the London club sits seventh in the table.
Diogo Dalot (23, Manchester United)
The Portuguese full-back joined United with plenty of promise, but failed to nail down a starting place and was sent out on loan to AC Milan in the 2020/21 season. He featured 24 times in a struggling United side last campaign but still didn't look like fulfilling his potential.
Dalot has been a different player this season, staking his claim for the right-back position and keeping Aaron Wan-Bissaka (24) out of the side. He has impressed in his first 12 appearances and looks like he will be a mainstay in the defence for a long time to come.
Alex Iwobi (26, Everton)
Like Joelinton, Iwobi has benefitted from a move deeper into midfield. His big-money move to Everton hadn't initially gone as planned, with the Nigerian disappointing Evertonians despite his clear talent. However, he has hugely improved since being moved into a midfield three alongside Idrissa Gueye (33) and Amadou Onana (21) - starting to live up to his hefty price tag.
Honourable mentions
Danny Ward (29, Leicester City), Fabian Schar (30, Newcastle United), Marcus Rashford (25, Manchester United), Conor Coady (29, Everton), Dominic Solanke (25, Bournemouth), Eric Dier (28, Tottenham Hotspur)
