Nuno Tavares had a tough night as Arsenal slipped to a 3-0 defeat against Crystal Palace on Monday evening.
He was substituted at half-time as the Gunners’ hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League took a hit at Selhurst Park.
But he took to Instagram to post a defiant message after that game, and Kieran Tierney’s injury means he should get more games between now and the end of the season.
Former Gunners midfielder Paul Merson certainly thinks he will face Brighton this weekend, with Mikel Arteta looking to get his side back on track.
The Seagulls are on a poor run of form and failed to beat Premier League basement boys Norwich last time out, missing a penalty in a 0-0 draw.
Tavares’ Arsenal teammates were quick to send him messages of support, including Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.
That unity will be needed if Arsenal are to take their place in the top four, but Tavares has to improve on the pitch.
He had another bad day when the Gunners were knocked out of the FA Cup against Nottingham Forest and the Palace performance brought that to mind.
With Tierney out, Nuno needs to step up really. If he doesn’t, there is the prospect that Saka will need to fill in at left-back, which would not be ideal given the level of attacking threat he can offer higher up the pitch.
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