BIG SHOTS: PALACE SINK ARSENAL AT SELHURST PARK
FIRST BLOW: Crystal Palace’s Andros Townsend celebrates scoring his side’s opening goal in their 3-0 Premier League win over Arsenal at Selhurst Park. The result moves Palace four points above 17th-placed Hull City with a game in hand.
CRYSTAL PALACE 3 ARSENAL 0
ARSENE WENGER’S future as Arsenal manager was plunged into deeper uncertainty last night as the Gunners were soundly beaten at Crystal Palace.
The home side’s victory moved them four points clear of 17thplaced Hull City with a game in hand as they attempt to stave off relegation.
Having won just two of their last seven Premier League games before travelling to Selhurst Park, Arsenal arrived late in south London and never got out of first gear.
Former Tottenham man Andros Townsend opened the scoring before Yohan Cabaye’s well-taken second was added to from the penalty spot by Luka Milivojevic.
Large sections of Arsenal’s support ended the night with a chorus of “Arsene Wenger, we want you to go” and “you’re not fit to wear the shirt” – with protests against the 67-year-old likely to ramp up as they remain sixth following this damaging defeat.
The loss means Arsenal are 20 points clear of relegationthreatened Palace, but 21 points shy of Premier League leaders Chelsea as Wenger’s knack of delivering top-four finishes and Champions League qualification now faces a stern test.
The Frenchman has yet to announce whether he will sign a new contract at the Emirates Stadium, but his players did nothing to ease the mounting pressure on his shoulders with a lacklustre display.
Arsenal’s board must “bear hugely responsibility” for the Gunners’ poor season that has jeopardised Champions League qualification, according to the club’s second-largest shareholder.
Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov has hit out at owner Stan Kroenke in mounting a defence of manager Wenger, with Arsenal slipping to sixth in the Premier League.
Usmanov – who does not hold a seat on Arsenal’s board – insists current boss Wenger should help hand-pick the Gunners’ next manager.
“I do not think that the coach alone is to be blamed for what is happening,” said Usmanov.
“Some continuity is needed. This includes the need to prepare a successor for Wenger, but in a very respectful way.
“I can suggest that Wenger himself can prepare a successor.”
Despite Usmanov’s comments, the Russian billionaire admitted Arsenal’s chief shareholder Kroenke will have the ultimate say on Wenger and the club’s future.