Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta insists he believes in Nuno Tavares.

The loss to Crystal Palace on Monday was a miserable day all round for the Gunners - not least for left-back Tavares, who was hooked at half time at Selhurst Park on Monday night having endured a torrid evening.

His poor challenge at a free kick allowed Joachim Anderson to set-up Jean-Philippe Mateta to score the opening goal, while he was caught out with a weak attempt at an interception before Jordan Ayew made it 2-0 - with Arteta replacing him with Gabriel Martinelli at the interval.

But Arteta backed Tavares to bounce back, saying the player was "ready and willing" to respond in the coming games, as he revealed he had spoken to the full-back and that he understands his decision.

"Throughout your career you have to go through difficult moments," he said. "He had a good period when he arrived at the club and played more minutes than he was expecting

"He's ready and he' s willing. He will be disappointed. There is nothing personal there.

"I spoke with Nuno because I care a lot how they feel. That was a decision that hurt him but he understands that I felt it was for the benefit of the team. He respects that and now he needs to react."