Shkodran Mustafi launched an outspoken and angry siege-like defence of Arsenal’s character on Saturday, accusing critics of acting like the club was “dead”.

The Germany centre-back delivered a brilliant man-of-the-match performance in scoring in Arsenal’s 2-0 win but was clearly unimpressed to then be asked how close he came to leaving during the summer.

“You like to get the s***, the biggest s***,” he said to journalists. “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.”

Mustafi was clearly also well aware of how the current squad was questioned before this game about local pride and how much the North London derby meant to them.

He also claimed that a point had been proved about the team’s fighting spirit.