Jamie Carragher believes Mikel Arteta made the correct call by substituting at half time during Arsenal’s defeat to on Monday evening.
With Kieran Tierney ruled out due to a knee injury, Tavares replaced the Scotland international at left back for the Gunners’ trip to Selhurst Park.
But Arsenal delivered a woeful performance in the first half as goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jordan Ayew gave Palace a well-deserved lead by the break.
For Ayew’s goal, Tavares was culpable as he failed to track the run of the Crystal Palace forward after Gabriel failed to cut out a pass.
And Carragher feels Arteta had no choice but to replace Tavares following his poor display.
‘He is at fault for the second goal but it’s not just this goal,’ Carragher told Sky Sports.
‘They’ve got to bring him off. I think they’ve got to make a change, . I’ll be very surprised if he comes out for the second half.
‘This is something you’re taught as a young kid, when you’re a defender, you’ve got to think the person next to you is a dummy and a poor player. Tavares stops, Ayew keeps running because he thinks Gabriel’s going to miss it, Tavares thinks he’s going to cut it out, so he stops.’
Meanwhile, also criticised Alexandre Lacazette for his failure to win the ball back in the build up to Ayew’s goal.
‘Lacazette’s got to better than that to challenge,’ said Rooney.
‘It’s a good pass, it’s not a great pass, Ayew’s anticipating Gabriel missing the ball but Tavares isn’t.
‘Arsenal were okay, Ayew’s gambled and Tavares has stopped and anticipated Gabriel getting the ball, it’s a huge mistake.’
Wilfried Zaha scored a penalty in the second half to complete Palace’s 3-0 win. The result has left Arsenal fifth in the Premier League, although they could still overtake Tottenham with their game in hand.
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