Arsenal manager Unai Emery has leapt to the defence of Gunners defender Shkrodan Mustafi after his costly mistake against Crystal Palace in their Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Mustafi was at fault for the second Crystal Palace goal as Arsenal fell to a surprising 3-2 defeat at home.
In his post-match press conference, Unai Emery was quick to defend his player as he told reporters that Mustafi has been consistent for Arsenal this season.
Crystal Palace took a well deserved lead in the first half through a 17th-minute header from striker Christian Benteke who ended a 19-game goalless run as a result.
Crystal Palace were fortunate not to concede a first half penalty when Eagles right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka handled the ball in the box.
Arsenal got themselves level after two second half minutes through Mesut Ozil off an assist from Alexandre Lacazette before the big mistake from Mustafi who slipped up for Zaha to give Palace the lead again just after the hour mark.
James McArthur scored the third goal for Palace eight minutes later before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reduced the deficit to 3-2 to setup a grandstand finish but Crystal Palace held on for three points and also dent the Gunners’ quest to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
