Former Chelsea ace Chris Sutton labelled Arsenal's performance during their 3-0 away defeat to Crystal Palace as “pathetic” after the north Londoners lost a huge opportunity to return to the top four.
Mikel Arteta’s side arrived into the contest having won five away matches in a row, and five of their last six Premier League matches. However, Patrick Vieira’s side dominated the north Londoners from the first minute, quickly storming into a two-goal lead courtesy of goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jordan Ayew, before Wilfried Zaha confounded the victory from the spot-kick to make it 3-0 in the second-half.
Arsenal ’s game in hand over Tottenham means they are arguably still favourites to finish fourth and claim that all-important final Champions League spot. However, a vast improvement will be needed, as Sutton, a former Premier League winner, slated the manner of their loss to the Eagles.
"Arsenal's first half performance was really pathetic when you think of the position they had got themselves in,” Sutton said on BBC Radio 5Live. “With this performance, is it one that derails their season? Does it take Kieran Tierney to inspire the team with his attitude? Arsenal were well of it tonight."
The Gunners are still level on points with Antonio Conte’s Spurs side, who have played one match more than their fierce rivals. While Arsenal’s destiny remains in their hands, courtesy of the game in hand they hold over Tottenham, their performance at Selhurst Park was far below their usual standards. And Arteta ensured there was nowhere to hide for him and his Arsenal side.
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"Congratulations to Palace for the game they played but we made it impossible for ourselves with the way we competed,” Arteta said after the contest. “You have to be physical and run and then you earn the right to play. We were really inconsistent on the ball and that is unacceptable.
"We were poor, especially in the first half. 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.
“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.
"When we had the big chances we didn't score to give ourselves the best chance to get back in the game. First of all we need to put our hands up and get the criticism we deserve.
“Then we accept it, look ourselves in the mirror and look to the next game. This was not good enough. We have to face the challenge and the opportunity is in our hands. We have to be honest with ourselves and support each other."
Arsenal will need to get back to winning ways when they play host to a struggling Brighton and Hove Albion side on the 7th April. They also face a very tricky trip to Southampton, before travelling to fierce rivals Chelsea in what could be a season defining contest for Arteta’s side.
