Date: 27th January 2020 at 12:35pm
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Mikel Arteta has backed Shkodran Mustafi to turn his career around at Arsenal if he can cut the mistakes out of his game.

The Germany international has barely played in the Premier League this season following a dismal 18/19 campaign.

Mustafi came under criticism from the BT Sport pundits last week following his calamitous mistake that led to Arsenal going 1-0 down at Chelsea.

It was his awful backpass which led to team-mate David Luiz’s 26th-minute red card. Yet the World Cup winner recovered well to help earn a point.

Arteta believes Mustafi will come good

Arsenal’s chief said: “I’ve worked with players like this, I’ve had team-mates like this and there is always a moment where they click.

“Yes he made a mistake, but it’s OK. I like more the reaction and I look more at the reaction.”

“I can accept a mistake, no problem. What I’m not going to accept is someone who makes a mistake and then stops playing, doesn’t want the ball and doesn’t want to make decisions.”

“But Musti after that (mistake), he tried to play every single time, he went for every single challenge and put his body on the line. He was down afterwards but he reacted and if he does that, he will overcome the situation.

You can read more on this and other top stories via our Arsenal News page.

Mustafi’s appearance record (via Sky Sports).

The 2018/19 season saw Mustafi make 31 Premier League appearances for Unai Emery’s side.

The 27 year-old had been linked with a move away last summer, but a potential deal to Turkey fell through.

Mikel Arteta appears to be content with putting his trust in him, particularly following the loss of Calum Chambers.

Arteta will be keen for Arsenal to go on a positive run of form in their upcoming fixtures

FIXTURE LIST

Here are Arsenal’s next five fixtures.

The Gunners have a 15-day break coming up to rest their tired limbs.

Mon Jan 27 – Bournemouth (away) – FA Cup fourth round

Sun Feb 2 – Burnley (away) – Premier League

Sun Feb 16 – Newcastle (home) – Premier League

Thurs Feb 20 – Olympiakos (away) – Europa League

Sun Feb 23 – Everton (home) – Premier League

 

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