Arsenal put in a spirited performance at Stamford Bridge on September 17th as they denied the champions all three points in West London.

The Gunners were the better side for the majority of the 90 minutes and even rattled the woodwork but their defensive display caught the eye with Shkodran Mustafi’s shackling of Alvaro Morata proving particularly effective.

The former Real Madrid striker has already netted three times since joining Chelsea in the summer but he rarely threatened against Arsenal and cut a frustrated figure. Every 50-50 tussle was won by Shkodran Mustafi who put in a masterclass on how to defend against potent strikers.

The German defender was foot-perfect and extremely useful in the air and helped his side clock up a second successive clean sheet in a game in which they were expected to struggle.

The Gunners have a poor record at Stamford Bridge but should have left with all three points and the 25 year old urged his side to build upon that performance.

Arsenal lost at both Stoke and Liverpool but unexpectedly picked up their first away point of the season and it could have been more had Mustafi’s second half header not been ruled out for offside.

Last season Diego Costa proved a constant menace to the Arsenal back-line using his physical presence and persistence to help break down Arsene Wenger’s side however Alvaro Morata is a completely different player and relies on space and instinct. Whenever the Spanish striker did find room, Mustafi was there.

Premier League defenders could learn plenty from Mustafi’s display as the centre-back stuck to his task diligently and doggedly preventing Antonio Conte’s side from creating anything of note. Morata will have far easier assignments this season as he continues his quest for the Premier League Golden Boot.

Arsenal’s discipline had to be admired. They have been widely criticised for possessing a soft-centre but they held firm with each player assuming their position throughout the 90 minutes and helping their side pick up a valuable point in their quest to return to the top four.

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Wenger’s side have qualified for the Europa League this season and opened with a 3-1 success against FC Koln and have been chalked up as joint favourites for the competition alongside big-spending AC Milan.

Mustafi thrived in the centre of the Arsenal back-line and helped organise a normally leaky exterior. He stepped up when it mattered and his performance will provide plenty of encouragement for Arsenal fans who are hoping to see their side mount a title challenge.

When interviewed about the art of defending, former Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand stated that good defending is all about consistency. He added that ‘great players shine when it matters’ and that’s exactly how many Arsenal fans would describe Mustafi’s performance in West London.

The German’s fellow defenders all appeared to step up their performance as a result of his presence and as long as Wenger can maintain a settled back four plenty more clean sheets await.

Confidence, concentration and the ability to read the game are all key attributes required whilst ensuring there is little space in behind for the attackers to exploit. Mustafi didn’t jump into challenges, he didn’t rush decisions and crucially he didn’t panic.

The 25 year old remained confident and assured throughout and it paid dividends. Alvaro Morata hardly had a sniff in the first half and his head began to drop as the game progressed. One wonders whether the ever-persistent Diego Costa would have taken a different approach?

The Arsenal defender has played 270 minutes so far this season but didn’t feature against the Blues in the Community Shield at the beginning of August due to injury.

If he can maintain fitness, he surely has to be one of the first names on the teamsheet this season. Mustafi’s display was outstanding and any his fellow Premier League defenders should watch the footage back and take notes.

If he can continue this kind of form, Arsenal will start climbing the table and should be able to return to the Champions League next season.