After scoring in the North London derby win against Tottenham on Saturday, Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi took issue with journalists over their criticism of the Gunners’ character and desire.
Arsenal went into the match four points behind their rivals, but a stirring performance led by Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil gave Arsene Wenger’s side a superb 2-0 victory.
Sanchez and Mustafi scored the goals at the Emirates and the German defender says the performance against Spurs proved Arsenal can still compete with the Premier League’s best teams.
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With uncertainty over Sanchez and Ozil’s futures and some poor results this season, the pressure was on Arsenal but the fighting spirit is still there Mustafi said.
“That’s you guys [the media] thinking it,” Mustafi told the Daily Telegraph. “As always, Arsenal is dead, Arsenal is not coming back. We always are alive, we always believe in ourselves but we all know that if you win the big games but lose the small games you’re not going to finish top of the league or even in the top four.
“If you win today and lose next weekend you are back where you were.”
When asked about the futures of Sanchez and Ozil, who are both out of contract at the end of the season, Mustafi added: “You want everyone to leave don’t you? We need the players, not everyone can leave. Obviously they are important and everyone in the team wants them to stay.
“If you look at what Mesut achieved, you have to give him credit and respect. It’s sometimes stupid to just go out and say ‘he’s not good enough, he’s not this or that’.”
Mustafi himself has been the subject of a move away from Arsenal and it was reported that a deadline day deal to Inter Milan fell through.
“You like to get the s***, the biggest s***,” the 2014 World Cup winner said. “What happens in the changing room is the real thing. I have been talking to clubs or if I haven’t, it’s only rumours. I’m here, I’m standing in front of you in an Arsenal shirt.”
Meanwhile, Wenger believes Ozil and Sanchez will stay at the Emirates despite reports they will be sold in the January transfer window.
“I am convinced they love the club and love the team, but all the rest will be decided - when? I don't really know,” Wenger told the BBC.
“I believe they love the club and want to stay, but there are other top clubs out there who offer good contracts as well.”