Mikel Arteta has apologized to Arsenal fans for his team’s “unacceptable” performance in a 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace.
The Gunners’ top-four hope made a significant hole in the palace, leading Tottenham to fourth place in the Premier League weekend.
The Gunners have a game in the hands of their North London rivals, but it was an out-of-character performance from Arteta, as Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jordan Iowa scored in the first half and Wilfred Jaha awarded a penalty in the second half.
Arteta criticized his team’s performance, admitting that they did not physically compete with the Palace.
He said Sky Sports: “Congratulations to Palace for the game they have played but the way we have competed has made it impossible for us.
“You have to be physical and run and then you get the right to play. We were really incoherent of the ball and it was unacceptable.
“We were poor, especially in the first half. I apologize to our supporters. We didn’t have the restraint to dominate today’s presence or situation so I was most annoyed. Some days you are not there and you are late all the time. They climbed on top of it and there was a good atmosphere and we couldn’t get out.
“When we had a big chance we didn’t score to give ourselves the best chance to get back in the game. First of all we have to raise our hands and get the criticism we deserve. Then we take it, look at ourselves in the mirror and look at the next game. This was not good enough.
“We have to face the challenge and the opportunity is in our hands. We need to be honest with ourselves and support each other.
“We did not run from the beginning. When you get here you have to compete, you have to win the doubles and the second ball and be aggressive and we were none of them and on top of that we were really weak on the ball.
“We tried in the second half, we had three or four big chances but half the chances they got penalties.
“It’s time to take the criticism, raise your hand and apologize because the performance was not good enough for the club and then respond. When everything goes well, everyone wants to be there and support. ”
Arteta was asked if one of the reasons for the defeat was probably the pressure exerted on them by Tottenham in the top four.
He replied: “No, the last seven or eight weeks have been stressful. It’s not as simple as we used to be today. It was as simple as we were second best in each category. We still have a game on our hands. There will be a lot in nine matches. We have to focus on ourselves. “
Rooney: That could be a detrimental result for Arsenal
Wayne Rooney in Monday night’s football:
“Crystal Palace was wonderful. Conor Gallagher’s intensity really rubs off on other players and you’ve seen reactions from others. I thought I deserved 3-0 if I was honest.
“It could be a detrimental result for Arsenal, but I’m sure Mikel Arteta will work out a response and make sure the game is on their minds.”
“They have a lot of important games coming up and they are still in pole position. I just think they have so many young players that it could hurt them. Tottenham have some more experience that could help them cross the line.
Arsenal lost 3-0 at Crystal Palace
Cara: Important Arsenal don’t panic
Jamie Carragher in Monday night football:
“It’s a bad night for Arsenal – the way they lost, not just three points but I think it’s very important that they don’t panic and there is no hysteria. They are still in a really good position – better than Tottenham and Manchester United.
“They’ve won just five games out of the house in bounce so you’re talking 18 to 15 points away from home. They took it from six matches outside the house.
“It simply came to our notice then. Other teams will be encouraged by the way Palace has played.
“I think it’s going to be a really big boost for Tottenham and United tonight – not just the loss of Arsenal points but the way they lost. It’s important that they don’t panic. “
Vieira: I am very proud
Please use the Chrome browser for more accessible video players
Boss of Crystal Palace Patrick Vieira “We played really good football. We defended well and took our chances. We scored at the crucial moment of the game. We needed a big team performance and we did it so we are really satisfied.
“It simply came to our notice then. We were really smart in the way we defended from the front and took the opportunity to score.
“This football club is all about supporting the team and we really feel it when we are at home. The players were tired but the big difference is the environment and the fans behind the players.
