‘I was surprised’: Nuno Tavares shares what has shocked him about Arsenal fans so far

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Defender Nuno Tavares says he has been surprised by the overwhelming positivity of the Arsenal fans since his arrival.

It has not always been easy for Tavares in his first season in English football, most notably in the FA Cup exit at Nottingham Forest.

But he says that Gunners supporters have been far more positive with him than negative but of course it is the ‘haters’ who make the more noise.

In an interview with the Counter Attack Podcast, Tavares says the Arsenal fans have shocked him during a season which ultimately ended with the club missing out on the Champions League.

Tavares surprised by Arsenal fans

He said: “I can feel at Arsenal you have more people support you than haters.

“I could feel it by myself. Fans send me good messages after the game when it’s not going well or if I didn’t play good.

“They feel more supportive than haters.

“But you catch the haters more. I was surprised because of the fans of Arsenal.”

Tavares has a lot of energy and attacking quality and Mikel Arteta will hope that his defensive work will come on in time.

Arsenal look relatively secure when their first choice back four can all play, but the replacements lead to a noticeable drop-off.

Tavares is still young enough to improve and if Kieran Tierney’s injury issues persist, he will get chances to impress, especially with European football back on the agenda now.