Arsenal on Monday visited Crystal Palace and lost 3-0. The goals of the match were scored by Jean Philippe-Mateta, Jordan Ayew and Wilfried Zaha.
The Gunners with the defeat has failed to make up serious ground in the top four race and sit in fifth place, with 54 points. Tottenham have the same score, but have an advantage in the tie-breaking criteria.
Meanwhile Crystal Palace, in turn, reached 37 points and sit in ninth position in the Premier League.
Palace started with a strong rhythm and opened a good lead in the first half. In the 16th minute, forward Mateta took advantage of the lift in the area and headed in to open the scoring.
Ayew gor a great throw from defender Andersen, invaded the area and hit the right corner with ease to widen.
In the second half, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta removed Nuno Tavares and placed Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli, seeking to increase the team’s firepower.
However, Arsenal could not break through the opposing defense and ended up suffering the third, in the 29th minute, with Zaha, from a penalty. The goal that decreed the win of the hosts.
Arteta expressed his disappointment with how Arsenal started the game, which put them on the back foot until Palace opened the scoring.
“I apologise to our supporters. We didn’t have the presence today or the composure to dominate the situation, so that is what I’m most annoyed with.” Arteta said.
Some days you are not there, and you are late all the time. They got on top of it and had a good atmosphere, and we could not get out.” Arteta added.
Both teams remain focused on the Premier League and will have the week to work. Arsenal host Brighton on Saturday. Meanwhile Crystal Palace will face Leicester next Sunday at King Power Stadium.
