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Roy Hodgson watches unhappy Crystal Palace fans unfurl banner during 5-0 defeat at Arsenal

Roy Hodgson watches unhappy Crystal Palace fans unfurl a bold banner during their side’s 5-0 defeat at Arsenal on Saturday.

It was a game to forget once again for the Eagles, as Arsenal move two points off Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Gabriel scoring a first-half corner then forced a Dean Henderson own goal; Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli’s double then sealed the win.

Gabriel rose highest to nod home Declan Rice’s precise set-piece delivery to make it 1-0 Arsenal after just 11 minutes.

Less than 10 minutes before the break, the hosts’ doubled their lead, with Saka fizzing in a delicious delivery and Gabriel was on hand to head home.

It was 3-0 with around half an hour remaining, as Jesus squared the ball to Trossard after a flowing-Arsenal move, and the Belgian took a touch before sending the ball into the net.

The Gunners made it 4-0 on 94 minutes, with Nketiah’s slide-rule pass making its way to Martinelli, who kept his composure to curl into the far corner.

Martinelli made it five with his second in the space of 60 seconds.

Palace fans knew a thrashing was coming their way, and displayed a banner making their feelings known.

The banner reads: “Wasted potential on and off the pitch. Weak decisions taking us backwards.”

Arsenal: Raya (GK), White, Saliba, Gabriel (Kiwior, 81) Zinchenko, Rice (Jorginho, 74), Havertz (Smith Rowe, 69), Odegaard, Trossard (Martinelli, 69), Jesus (Nketiah, 81) Saka.

Subs not used: Ramsdale (GK), Cedric, Nelson, Walters.

Palace: Henderson (GK), Clyne (Ahamada, 76), Richards, Andersen, Guéhi (Tomkins, 87), Mitchell, Lerma, Hughes (Ozoh, 68), Schlupp (França, 76), Eze, Mateta.

Subs not used: Johnstone (GK), Edouard, Ebiowei, Riedewald, Adaramola.

Arsenal goalscorers Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli spoke to TNT Sports.

Gabriel was notified that his second goal was given as an own goal by Dean Henderson.

“Ah, yeah, but I’m so happy to score goals for the team. I think one more minute and Gabriel Martinelli will score three goals,” he says.

Martinelli adds: “I’m so pleased for the team. I think we needed a performance like that. I’m here to help the team even if I only play one, two or three minutes.

“Today, I had the opportunity to score two and I’m so happy with the team and the performance.

“It was so important. We know our qualities. It doesn’t matter what people say on the outside, we believe in ourselves. We showed that today and what we can do.

“We knew we needed a game like that where we had a clean sheet and scored five games.

“We will try our best and keep going like that because we know our expectation.”

Team-mate Gabriel adds: “We work a lot on set-pieces because we know the quality we have. Today I scored two so we keep that going.”

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to MOTD: “Very pleased, clean sheet and five goals, win the game and performance.

“I had a really good feeling after we left the stadium after Liverpool, the performance was there but the results were not.

“Today we were much more efficient in the opponents’ box particularly than the last few games. Last few games we had moments playing better than today but this is about scoring goals.

“Set pieces are a big part of us, especially against teams that want to defend deeply. It is a good way to win games.

“The success of last season was the amount of players who scored more than 10 goals and we are going to have to do that again.

“We used moments of the game we knew could exploit really, really well. The subs did really well and had a big impact. Everyone was really focused.

“This is the second part of the season we want to tackle it with a lot of aggression and motivation.

“I would like to play three days after but it is what it is! We will keep preparing and we must continue to do better and improve as a team.”

Team-mate Gabriel adds: “We work a lot on set-pieces because we know the quality we have. Today I scored two so we keep that going.”

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson, speaking to MOTD: “The worst thing is that three of the goals all came from corner kicks, two from theirs and one from one of ours and they started a very quick counter and 3-0 down you are up against it.

“I decided to give some of the younger players a chance on the basis we played in midweek and some of the players had worked very hard, but 3-0 down against a rampant Arsenal it was asking for trouble and asking for the two quite simple goals at the end.

“The fact is two of our major attacking players are not here at the moment, Eze is just coming back from injury. Our attacking potential is a bit less at the moment than it would be normally but I don’t think we created anywhere near enough chances.

“Arsenal were very good. Whatever we would have done and whatever team we put on the field we would still have been struggling to contain them as they do have so much talent and are very well drilled.

“It is a struggle. There’s no doubt we have to keep looking over our shoulder and we are in a relegation battle, no question about that. I believe the team and club and the group of players we have are more than good enough to get us away from the relegation zone. Of course at the start of the season we had hoped we would build on the end of last season.”

Hodgson, speaking to MOTD about fan protest at the end of the game: “They are entitled to their opinions. They are frustrated, disappointed and probably angry. We haven’t been able to do as well as they would like, one understands that.

“Crystal Palace fans have dragged us through many difficult situations and helped us to survive at moments when survival looked difficulty. We can only hope we can do better and provide them with what they hope to see, which is win more games and move away from the relegation zone.”

Frustrated not had more financial backing? “No, not particularly because I went into the job with my eyes open. I knew what my job was and knew it wasn’t to come in with a big treasure chest. I knew it was going to be working with what we have here, trying to continue keeping that team and at least heading towards the middle of the table. That was complicated by the long-term injuries we have had but I am hoping when those injuries are not part of the equation we will do better.”

Hodgson, speaking to TNT Sports about if he understands fans’ frustrations: “Yes because we are going through a very bad spell, no doubt about it. We were hoping this year to kick on, it has not happened. There are reasons for it, it is not quite as simplistic as all that but the fans are always entitled to their opinions. They care and want to see a strong Crystal Palace team. At the moment they have seen a team outplayed today by a superior opponent and they are entitled to make their feelings felt.

“There are times when we look at it from our position with the team and myself what more could we do with the people we are trying to put onto the pitch to try and get results, it is not always that easy.

“As far as I am concerned the fans are entitled to the opinions they have. I am pretty certain now they will let the club know.”

Do you feel some of that targeted at you? “Probably! The manager always take responsibility. It makes me feel sad and disappointed of course because I think we are doing the best job we can do.

“But I am a manager of a football club that is not in a good position at the moment. Everything that happens to managers in that position will happen to me.”

Bukayo Saka speaking to TNT Sports: “Most games it feels like we’re going up against a low block. The Premier League is a really physical league.

“It’s about me studying it, trying to find a solution – whether that’s dribbling, finding space or passing it.

“It hasn’t been easy but I’m still trying and we’re still doing well as a team.

“We do a lot of work on set-pieces. It’s the worst! Our set-piece coach tries to make it fun. We’re doing well and what he’s doing is working.

“We went out of the FA Cup mostly on a set-piece so we wanted to put it right today and get a clean sheet. We scored two so we’re happy.

“Everyone knows we lost the last three games so this one was important for us and the fans to build some momentum.

“When you look at the league table, you want to be first. You don’t want to be third, fourth of fifth. That’s my feeling personally.”

Theo Walcott (Former Arsenal and Southampton forward on BBC Radio 5 Live): “Roy Hodgson has been brilliant for Crystal Palace, but it comes to a point eventually where you think, “When do I stop?”

“If you are thinking of the team and the club itself and the next generation of managers coming through, who individualise the players they coach, you think maybe it is time for a change.

“Take Graham Potter for example, who is in the stands there today, he could be a good option if Roy does leave.

“I think this result today and the way Palace have ended the game has been pretty poor.”

Mark Warburton (Former Brentford boss on BBC Radio 5 Live): “It is a difficult one.

“What represents success for Palace in the Premier League is an age old question. Is finishing mid table good or bad?

“The fans are disheartened and disillusioned with what is going on. obviously the injuries have taken a toll but the fans are certainly unhappy with what they are seeing at the moment.”

This is how fans reacted as Roy Hodgson watches unhappy Crystal Palace fans unfurl a banner during the 5-0 defeat at Arsenal…

@eaglism: Oh just the 5-0, truly spoiled we are, spoiled

@AndrewGarnett21: I had low expectations but even that is just shocking we have literally nothing to be excited for…. Anyone want a season ticket? I’ll pay you!!

@Alexjackd: Man it is sad to see Roy look towards the banner like that. Parish and the owners deserve the brunt of the the criticism but I also accept he has been very stubborn and inflexible #cpfc #holdingusback

@ThePalaceWay: Crystal Palace sleepwalking to relegation. A lack of vision, a lack of ambition. Awful manager and appalling planning from the club. The board have taken the piss out of the league and the fans. Something has to change. #CPFC

@Alexjackd: We are allowed to feel sad for all Roy has done over the years whilst also believing now is the time for him to go. Nevertheless the real problems lie at board level #cpfc

@GilesyL14: With the score line, the performance, the awful form & the HF banner…I don’t see how Hodgson survives . I’d resigned myself to him being here for the rest of the season, but I think his position is now untenable. That banner would’ve absolutely killed PR king Parish. & let’s be clear, this is all of Parish’s making. Bottling it at the first sign of trouble under Vieira 18 months into a new project having not backed him & reverting to Hodgson was beyond weak. He’s had it way too easy for too long & deserves every bit of this criticism.

@rodgers_lorcan: I love Roy and I feel so bad for him because he was lumped into this shit position by parish, myself and others included have lambasted him for his performances, he’s a club legend and always will be, I hate that parish has done this to him he doesn’t deserve it #cpfc #CPFC

@GilesyL14: Part of me feels sorry for Roy, if this is the end – as it should be. But at the same time, he should have taken his heroes farewell in May after his successful cameo last season. He is smart another to have realised that should have been the perfect end for both parties. #cpfc

@MatthewRBroad: Quite clearly time for Roy to go and Parish et al to take a hard look at themselves. Why would anyone take on a job that has no meaningful potential or seemingly purpose at this stage? #cpfc

@Radders1204: Don’t normally leave before the end but 82 mins was enough. Thought I’d check the score on the way onto the tube. 🤦🏻‍♂️ #cpfc

@JaniCPFC: My first game was when I was 8, my first season ticket was at 16. Since I’ll be turning 24 just before the start of next season, that’s one third of my life a STH, two thirds a fan. I’ve never felt more disconnected with Palace than right now. Something has to change. #CPFC

@dj_Sharman_cpfc: Roy is responsible for the decline and performances this season. But for the board not to strengthen when Zaha / Kouyate left and not getting full backs /forwards in is fully on them. #cpfc

@Carlie_Ellen: End of the day, Roy is a human. He’s an elderly man who should be happily retired at his age. It’s the management that’s got him here. The management that buy the players. The management that make the overall decisions. Roy is the scapegoat. #CPFC

@sharpypus: I feel for Roy, he really shouldn’t be in this position in the first place. It was a terrible decision to bring him back, he didn’t deserve to be thrown back into a role he already vacated once before. #cpfc

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