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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been impressed with the response from Shkodran Mustafi since his mistake in the 2-2 draw against Chelsea last month.
The German was at fault for a sloppy backpass to the goalkeeper which contributed to David Luiz's sending-off at Stamford Bridge but he has since redeemed himself with a couple of top-notch displays.
The centre-back was undoubtedly the best defender on the pitch during the 2-1 win over Bournemouth in the FA Cup fourth round and the same was the case on Sunday where the Gunners kept a hard-fought clean sheet at Burnley.
Of course, they were lucky with the Clarets missing a couple of clear-cut chances on goal but on the defensive point of view, Mustafi had a dominant game with two interceptions, seven clearances and seven aerial duels won, as per whoscored.
Speaking after the 0-0 draw against the Clarets at Turf Moor, Arteta was impressed with the centre-back, who has been the subject of regular criticism from the fans in the past.
"Yes. I said to him that he could make a mistake but I like his reaction afterwards and the courage he had to play and make decisions. He's been training really well and I think you could see today how good he was," he told Arsenal.com.
Mustafi and David Luiz seemed to have cemented their places as the first-choice central defenders under Arteta. The duo could start together for the fourth league game on the bounce when the club host Newcastle United after the winter break.
Written by Sri Aswin
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