David Luiz has encouraged Arsenal players to stick to their playing philosophy despite the club's mixed form so far this season.

The Brazilian was part of the starting XI that lost 1-0 to Sheffield United in the Premier League on Monday night.

Such a result has cast fresh questions over Arsenal's mentality, with former Manchester United player Patrice Evra branding the Arsenal team "babies" after the game.

Speaking to Sky Sports News ahead of Sunday's meeting with Crystal Palace, Luiz said: "We have to be honest about what went wrong, but we also have to be calm. It's only our second defeat this season. We are doing many things well.

"We have to keep believing in our philosophy, we have to keep believing in our team, which is the best way for us to improve.

"Football is about the end, not the beginning, so let's see how we finish at the end of the season in May."

Gunners boss Unai Emery has also come under pressure amid his continued decision to omit Mesut Ozil from the squad.

The German, who ruled out the prospect of an exit in January earlier this month, has been reduced to just two appearances since August.