Arsenal ‘disappointed’ after Crystal Palace defeat

Arsenal star Theo Walcott revealed how disappointed his side were after facing a heavy defeat in their Premier League clash against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday night.

Spinless Arsenal were beaten 3-0 by their hosts, as fans didn’t seem certain who was to blame. At various points in the game, they chanted their frustration towards manager Arsene Wenger, and then at the players.

But Walcott says the players were disappointed as the fans were, as he also admitted that the team did let the fans down.

“We thought we had bounced back from that bad patch with the draw against Manchester City and win against West Ham. It doesn’t look like it after this,” he said.

“That wasn’t us tonight. We are all disappointed in the changing room, like the fans are – we let them down.”

Palace have continued their recent revival to boost their Premier League survival hopes and leave Arsenal struggling to maintain their run of top-four finishes under Arsene Wenger.

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The hosts got ahead early in the first half through Andros Townsend’s close-range finish, and doubled their lead after half-time when Yohan Cabaye’s shot looped in on 63 minutes. Luka Milivojevic then completed the win with a firm, low penalty to help his side move six points clear of the relegation zone.

Wenger, who has led Arsenal to top-four finishes in each of his previous 20 seasons at the helm, also expressed his disappointment over the defeat.

“They were sharper than us in many decisive situations,” the Frenchman said.

“We had a lot of the ball, a lot of possession. We won many second balls as well but in the decisive duels they were stronger, yes.

“I’m disappointed and determined to put things right. Tonight the worry is not me, it’s the fact we lost a big game and that’s a big worry.”

Arsenal are seven points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester City with eight games remaining.

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