Shkodran Mustafi made his first start for the club in what was an assured performance at right-centre back alongside Laurent Koscielny.

He had a very good first half, slotting alongside the Frenchman, and they communicated well to ensure the Southampton forward was offside early in the game. Mustafi did not hesitate to play as high as possible on the pitch, ending up in the Southampton half when in possession.

He made a few important tackles, heading clearances, as well as mixing short and long passes. He also made a forward run down the right wing with a deep cross that reached no-one. He’ll learn there is never anyone there soon enough.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal and Shkodran Mustafi of Arsenal embrace after the match during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on September 10, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal and Shkodran Mustafi of Arsenal embrace after the match during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on September 10, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)

In the second half with Arsenal well in control of the game and looking to score the winner for 45 minutes, his main job was to make sure that Shane Long did not come behind the Arsenal defence on the counter attack.  Luckily enough Long missed the two big chances that were presented to him.

Mustafi did make a critical tackle on Long early in the second half as well as winning many headers. His passing statistics are as expected for an Arsenal centre back with 85 out of 96 completed with the failed ones being the verticals.

Overall, a good start to his Arsenal career and you can see him developing a good partnership with Laurent Koscielny.