Alan Smith and Sam Allardyce baffled by Arsenal’s lack of fightback as they tamely lose 3-0 to Crystal Palace
ARSENAL face saying Cabaye bye to Champions League football after another shambolic display.
It left Gunners fans calling for Arsene Wenger to quit — even though he is expected to sign a new contract — and chanting “You’re not fit to wear the shirt” at their flops.
Missing out on a top-four spot would leave the club facing an impossible fight to keep stars Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.
After their Selhurst shocker, Gunners legend Alan Smith blasted: “Arsenal were humiliated. This could decide the manager’s future. Crystal Palace’s players barely had to break sweat. I bet they were surprised by any lack of fightback.
“It’s hard for Wenger to take. You can stand losing 3-0 but in this fashion...
“It might tip the balance as to whether he stays or goes.
“There will be a growing band of Arsenal fans who want to see their longest-serving manager leave the club for a change.
“It was just a horrible night for the Gunners.”
Goals from boyhood Tottenham fan Andros Townsend, Yohan Cabaye and a Luka Milivojevic penalty handed Crystal Palace’s survival hopes a massive boost.
Meanwhile, the crisis-hit Gunners are now seven points off a top-four spot.
And former Arsenal and Palace striker Ian Wright tweeted: “That dressing room is lost. Brilliant stuff Palace.”
Gunners fan Piers Morgan raged: “No leaders, no heart, no passion, no desire, no clue... and losing 3-0 to Palace. This team is a disgrace to the Arsenal shirt. #WengerOUT”
MOST READ IN SPORT
Victory moves Palace six points clear of the drop zone having also beaten Chelsea this month.
And Townsend, who won a controversial spot-kick when he tumbled over Gunners keeper Emiliano Martinez, said: “It was an incredible victory.
“The boys are full of confidence at the minute.
“We went to Stamford Bridge, got the three points and we were full of confidence we could do the same tonight.
“Sam Allardyce is working his magic now.”
Eagles boss Allardyce said: “Tactically, we knew how to beat Arsenal.
“The first thing was to frustrate them, keep them playing sideways, then use the space behind the full-backs.
“Arsenal have been weak defensively — they leave the centre-backs exposed.
“It wasn’t a shock for me as we won against Chelsea.
“The result might be a shock, but we did that again and did it better.”