Emery speaks out on Mustafi and explains what happened against Crystal Palace. Press Conference

Arsenal’s Champions League qualification hopes were dented by Crystal Palace. Unai Emery's side suffered a 3-2 defeat at Emirates, thanks to goals from Christian Benteke, Wilfried Zaha and James McArthur. Following the game, the Gunners boss has spoken out to the press. Emery has admitted, the defeat is frustrating and explained what happened defensively. "First, it's because they have very good players. Second is because today in the set pieces we weren't strong like we have been all season, the first goal from the free-kick, the third from the corner. Today we struggled more than we wanted in these two situations. The result can come through it," said Emery. The Spaniard has been asked, what would he say to Shkodran Mustafi after a tough game: "We cannot speak about the players individually. Sometimes he plays very well, sometimes he doesn't do brilliant. I prefer to speak about the consistency in the season. I think we are, every player, helping and playing with a big performance. Today also when you can defend against players like [Christian] Benteke and [Wilfried] Zaha you can suffer more than maybe in other situations. If today we were better in the set pieces we could have won this match. Also, we controlled with possession but in attacking thirds they defended their goal and box very well. We didn't find the best situations to score." Arsenal boss has also spoken out on changes he has made for the Crystal Palace clash. "The first half we continued with three central defenders because we can be more consistent with that. In the second half we played with two, taking more possibilities in the attacking third, build-up but defensively give them more space to take the transition," said Emery. "Their goal is in set pieces and one second action. We knew we could take more risks in the second half when the result is like that. When we are losing 1-0 we need to do that. We changed because we need to use some players, we're playing a lot of matches. We have had some injuries like with Aaron Ramsey and need to protect the players. "On Thursday [Granit] Xhaka asked to change in the second half against Napoli and today he can play but with some risk. We need to protect him and use other players. We are playing with players who give us performances. We lost today but we could have lost with other players on the pitch."

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