Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has challenged Nuno Tavares to bounce back from a difficult period after he was substituted at half-time against Crystal Palace.
The left-back started the clash at Selhurst Park on Monday but did not re-emerge for the second half as Gabriel Martinelli was brought on to replace him.
The Gunners were 2-0 down when they went in at the break and ended up losing the clash 3-0, putting a dent in their challenge for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
Tavares was singled out after his performance against the Eagles, and Arteta has called on him to respond positively and set about silencing his critics.
“Throughout your career, you have to go through difficult periods,” the coach told reporters.
“That is the development curve of a player, it is up and down, but he is ready, and he is willing.
“He will be disappointed, but it is part of my job. We have to make decisions to try to win football matches – but it is nothing personal.
“Obviously, I spoke with Nuno because I care a lot about how the players feel, and we are here to make their careers better.
“The decision hurt him. He has to react to that situation because it is a great opportunity to learn a lot in that period in your career.”
