Ex-Newcastle United striker gives ‘too easy’ Arsenal verdict after Crystal Palace win

Alan Shearer has claimed Arsenal were given a comfortable afternoon’s work by Crystal Palace at the Emirates.

An emphatic 5-0 win for the Gunners brushed off the Christmas cobwebs that threatened to derail their 2023-24 campaign. Arsenal headed into the clash out of nick, winning one of their last six in all competitions, but made light work of the Eagles on home soil.

Goals from Gabriel, a Dean Henderson own goal, Leandro Trossard and a Gabriel Martinelli brace did the damage on an eventful afternoon in North London. Mikel Arteta’s side are now two points behind league leaders Liverpool - albeit having played a game more.

As for Palace, the pressure continues to build on Roy Hodgson as their rotten run took another brutal twist. The Eagles have won just one of their last 10 Premier League games and questions are beginning to be asked about Hodgson’s future.

Former Newcastle United striker Shearer insisted the victory was “too easy” for Arsenal while slamming Palace for their defensive frailties. He told Match of the Day: “It was far, far too easy. Arsenal certainly had more energy, they were quicker and miles better than Palace in every department. That was a constant all afternoon.

“There was no pressure at any stage on the ball. You can’t do that in any game let alone against Arsenal. Not centre-half was willing to go in and put a strong challenge in, which is exactly what was what was needed.

“(It is) worrying times for Crystal Palace. If you have a look at the situation they were in last season, the last 10 games when Roy was brought in to do a job and he did well. But look this season, every stat (xG, goals against, shots faced) is down.”