By Connor Armstrong
It took Shkodran Mustafi 23 games before he finally tasted defeat in Arsenal colours.
The Germany international has won plenty of admirers since signing from Valencia in August, with his acclimatisation to the Premier League no doubt aided by his partnership with Laurent Koscielny.
Mustafi feels that the duo’s understanding has developed so quickly due to their shared outlook on the game.
"I think it’s because we see football in the same way," he said. "We are not only trying to defend, trying to drop off and just be deep defenders who destroy the game.
"We try to play as well and be on the front foot to help our team-mates and I think that’s why we understand each other so well, because he understands my reactions on the field and I understand his.
"That’s something that works really good, but it’s not just me and Koscielny. It’s really the whole back four.
"It doesn’t matter who is playing, everyone gives everything for the team."
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