A look at Shkodran Mustafi’s impressive performance in Arsenal’s draw with Manchester City

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It was billed as a must-win match for Arsenal as they attempt to qualify for the Champions League, but they only managed to draw with Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The Gunners are now seven points of the top four with a game in hand, making them outsiders in the race. The atmosphere wasn’t great after they fell behind early, but the players fought hard and it was impressive that they managed to equalise twice during the match. There were positives to take from the performance and one of those was the display from Shkodran Mustafi.

The German scored the equalising goal with an excellent header from a corner. Arsenal do not often threaten from set pieces, but they proved to be vital this afternoon. Mustafi has had a knack of scoring goals throughout his career and this was his second for the Gunners. Although a point doesn’t do a lot to help their Champions League push, it was important for the mentality of the squad that they didn’t lose to City and the centre-back’s goal ensured that they didn’t.

Defensively, the 24-year-old played his part in keeping his side in the game when Manchester City were threatening to take a commanding lead in the game. He made four ball recoveries and two clearances during the match to relieve pressure on his team. The visitors’ attack was excellent to watch at times, but Mustafi remained focused and can be relatively pleased with his contribution. He won three of his four aerial duels during the match, a part of his game that always impresses. It was his header in the opposition box that had a telling impact on the match, but he also managed to make a couple of crucial headed clearances.

In terms of his passing, he finished the match with a success rate of 66%. This was the worst of the Arsenal defenders, but he did make play some good forward passes that put his side on the front foot. He made one key pass and came inches away from an assist as his ball to Danny Welbeck was only slightly off. If he had got that right, it would have led to a great chance. This underlined the quality that he possesses on the ball and the Gunners will be hoping that they see a lot more of this from their centre-backs.

His goal will be what is remembered from this fixture and he deserves a lot of credit for that contribution. However, it was his ability to organise the back four in the second half that was most impressive. Manchester City created fewer chances after the substitution of Laurent Koscielny and that was a surprise. Arsenal fell apart on two occasions against Bayern Munich due to the Frenchman departing the field of play. That wasn’t the case on Sunday. In fact, they arguably got better and a large reason for this was due to Mustafi.

Arsenal face a difficult task to finish in the top four again this season and it will be a huge blow for everyone connected to the club if they don’t. However, there were signs on Sunday that they could be set for a good end to the season. Mustafi rose to the occasion this weekend and showed that he has the potential to be the leader of the Arsenal defence. Doubts remain about the futures of Arsene Wenger, Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, but one player that must be part of the club’s long-term future is the 24-year-old German centre-back.

Featured image: All rights reserved by Emrah Partal