Unai Emery has defended Shkodran Mustafi's error-strewn performance against Crystal Palace, insisting the centre-back has had a consistent campaign for Arsenal.

Mustafi started the derby clash at the Emirates Stadium as part of a back three and lost Christian Benteke at a set-piece as the striker headed in Luka Milivojevic's free-kick to hand the visitors a shock lead.

After Mesut Ozil had then levelled matters two minutes into the second half, Mustafi made allowed Wilfried Zaha to run free into the area and restore the Eagles' lead.

Arsenal eventually lost the game 3-2 and, ultimately, failed to capitalise on their top-four rivals in Tottenham and Manchester United losing on the same weekend.

But when asked about Mustafi's shaky performance, Emery said: "They have very good players. Secondly at set-pieces we didn't work and be strong like we are doing all season.

"We can speak to players usually and they can play very well, sometimes not play with due diligence, but I prefer to speak about consistency throughout the season.

"Every player is helping and playing with big performances but, today, defending against Benteke and Zaha you can suffer more.

"If today, we were better at set pieces maybe we could win this match. Also, we controlled the possession but they defended well. We didn't find the best situation to score."

When then questioned again about Mustafi, Emery said: "He has been consistent."

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Emery made seven changes for the visit of Palace in what was Arsenal's third game of the week, but insisted his team could have lost on the day using his strongest line-up.

"First half, we had three centre-backs because we can be more consistent," he said. "Second half we changed to two and we can take more possibilities in the attacking third but, defensively, it gives them more space.

"We need to protect the players and save other players. But we can lose today with other players."