Mikel Arteta has apologized to Nuno Tavares for hauling him off at halftime in Arsenal's 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace on Monday night.

In place of Kieran Tierney, who is out with a knee injury, the 22-year-old started at left-back.

Tavares was responsible for Palace's second goal, as he was caught off guard, allowing Jordan Ayew to score.

Since being substituted after only 35 minutes in Arsenal's FA Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest in January, the defender has not started for the Gunners.

However, Arteta explained that replacing the player at halftime was a tactical move.

"It was only a tactical reason today."

"With what Palace was doing and how we could attack and control the game much better in that position, that's how I want to do it." That was the sole reason we put on another attacking midfielder with Emile in that position.

"I'm sad it was Nuno again," Arteta added, "but we had to do it."