Arsenal suffer a heavy blow with hammers at Crystal Palace in the race for the Champions League spot

arsenalHopes of a top-four place in the Premier League this season were dashed by Monday’s 3-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.

rsenal were put to the sword by the clean hosts in the first half, with goals from strikers Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jordan Ayew giving Palace a deserved 2-0 lead at the break.

Arsenal improved after the break, with Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard missing big chances to get their side back in the game. Their waste proved costly as Wilfried Zaha ended the game with a penalty 16 minutes from time.

Tottenham Hotspur’s 5-0 home win over Newcastle United on Sunday means they sit fourth, ahead of their north London rivals on goal difference after playing a game more.

The goal line at Selhurst Park did not flatter an impressive Palace, who continued to improve under former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira and moved up to ninth place with the win.