Arsene Wenger endured his fourth straight away defeat for the first time in his 21 years as Arsenal boss after watching his dreadful side crushed at Crystal Palace.

Goals from Andros Townsend, Yohan Cabaye and Luka Milivojevic leaves the Gunners seven points off the top four as their Champions League hopes capitulate.

Crystal Palace were hoping to catch their opponents off guard in the early stages and their pressure soon paid off after 17 minutes when Townsend lashed in his third goal of the season.

Cabaye’s pass out wide found Wilfried Zaha whose cross well perfectly into the path of the winger to give the Eagles a crucial lead.

Arsenal’s best chance of the half came through Mohamed Elneny but his strike was well parried by keeper Wayne Hennessey.

But it was Palace who looked most likely to extend their advantage and third choice keeper Emiliano Martinez had to be at his best to deny Christian Benteke just five minutes before the interval.

Danny Welbeck then dragged his shot wide of the post as he tried to beat the Welshman from a tough angle.

Arsenal had to come out fighting in the second period but they nearly found themselves two behind when Christian Benteke poked the ball into the net only for the offside flag to go up.

And it wasn’t long after until Cabaye produced a scintillating first time lob over Martinez to leave Sam Allardyce jumping for joy on the touchline.

Any hopes of a comeback where over when Martinez brought down Townsend in the box before Milivojevic made no mistake from 12 yards.

Arsenal fans then turned on their own players as they sang: ‘You’re not fit to wear the shirt’.

The results leave Allardyce’s side six points clear of the relegation zone in their bid for survival.

WHIRLWIND