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Mikel Arteta has apologised to Arsenal fans after his side fell to a humiliating 3-0 defeat against Crystal Palace on Monday, April 4 at Selhurst Park, London.
Immediately after the match, Arsenal’s Manager issued an apology to fans as he branded his team’s performance as unacceptable.
“We made it impossible for ourselves with the way we competed. We were inconsistent on the ball and at this level it was unacceptable.” The Spaniard said in the post match conference.
Arteta who is also former gunners captain further explain that then team was clearly not up for it, citing the performance in first half especially as lacklustre and not up to standard.
He continued: “We apologise to our supporters and take the challenge. We didn’t have the presence or real composure , that is what am really concerned with,”
Arsenal is now in the fifth place in the EPL table with 54 points and a gap 19 points a way from Manchester City which tops the table with 73 points.
On the other hand , Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira expressed how proud he was of his team. Terming it as a big performance at a crucial time of the season.
“I am really proud. We played a really good game of football. We defended well and took our chances. We needed a big team performance and we did it, and we are really pleased,” The Eagles boss said.
He expressed his gratitude to his defenders and the fans, saying the supporters came in handy especially when they faced a massive onslaught in the second half.
“We were really smart. The way we defended from the front. When we play at home, we really feel the support and that allowed us to perform. We went through a different period in the second half , but we kept defending well,” said the former Arsenal captain.
He concluded: “The players were tired , but the big difference was the atmosphere and the fans behind the players,”
In the 24th minute of the match, Jeane-Philippe Mateta and Jordan Ayew put the Eagles in control and Wlfried Zaha’s second half penalty added deserved gloss to the score for the hosts.
The Eagles extended their unbeaten run to seven matches in all competitions and moved up to ninth in the table.
