Arsenal's hopes of making the Premier League Top 4 once again have become even more distant after Arsene Wenger's side were outclassed at a Crystal Palace side who have given themselves hope of putting some distance of their own between themselves and the relegation zone.
The Gunners lost 3-0 at Selhurst Park after a poor display which saw Sam Allardyce's Eagles take full advantage of their opponents' shortcomings and vulnerability.
Palace took the lead on 17 minutes when Andros Townsend got o the ball first at the near post and turned in Wilfried Zaha's low right wing cross.
Arsenal failed to carve out major chances as the London sides went in 0-0 at the break.
Then 23 minutes after half time Yohan Cabaye's first time effort from another Zaha pass looped over Emiliano Martinez in the Arsenal goal and into the net.
And it was Martinez who erred for the third Palace goal as the on-rushing Townsend fell under the keeper's challenge.
Luka Milivojevic stepped up to take the penalty and confidently found the bottom corner to leave Arsenal's night in tatters.
Palace had chances to make it 4-0 but were unable to find the fourth goal as they move six points clear of 18th place Swansea who occupy the final relegation spot at present.
Arsenal meanwhile stay sixth, seven points behind fourth placed Manchester City, although Wenger's side have a game in hand on Pep Guardiola's team and two games in hand on third placed Liverpool who are nine points in advance.
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