Arsenal's hopes of securing a top-four Premier League finish this season were dealt a blow as the below-par visitors suffered a 3-0 defeat against rampant Crystal Palace on Monday.

Arsenal were put to the sword in the first half by the clinical hosts, with goals from forwards Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jordan Ayew giving Palace a deserved 2-0 interval lead.

The Londoners improved after the break, with Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard missing big chances to get their team back in the match. Their wastefulness proved costly as Wilfried Zaha put the game to bed with a penalty 16 minutes from time.

Tottenham Hotspur's 5-0 home victory over Newcastle United on Sunday means they are fourth, ahead of their of their north London rivals on goal difference having played a game more.

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Arsenal had been in fine form on the road in the Premier League prior to their trip to south London on Monday.

"Congratulations to Palace for the game they played but we made it impossible for ourselves with the way we competed," Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports.

"I apologise to our supporters. We didn't have the presence today or the composure to dominate the situation so that is what I`m most annoyed with.

"First of all we need to put our hands up and get the criticism we deserve. Then we accept it, look ourselves in the mirror and look to the next game.

This was not good enough."

NO RHYTHM

Arsenal's 1-0 win at Aston Villa last time out was their fifth away league victory in a row - the first time they had been on such a run since May 2015.

But they struggled from the start to find any rhythm, with Palace very much the better side in the opening period.

It took the home side 16 minutes to break the deadlock, as Joachim Andersen's head sent a free-kick across the box for Mateta to steer in his fourth league goal of the season.

Eight minutes later and centre-back Anderson again turned provider, picking out a perfect pass for Ayew, who controlled well before finding the net for the first time since December.

Arsenal just could not create any openings of note in the first half, with Mateta going close to adding a third for Palace before the interval.

Content with a two-goal lead, the hosts sat back and invited pressure after the break. Smith Rowe should have done better from close range before Odegaard dragged his effort wide.

Zaha then broke on the counter and was awarded a penalty - only Raheem Sterling (23) and Jamie Vardy (21) have been given more penalties in Premier League history than the Ivory Coast forward - which he converted emphatically.

Arsenal substitute Eddie Nketiah did hit the crossbar but it would have been too little, too late.

A second defeat in their last three league games opens the door for Arsenal's top-four rivals and Arteta's side still have it all to do to secure a return to the Champions League for the first time since 2016-17.

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Fifth-placed Arsenal are level on 54 points with Spurs and three points ahead of West Ham United and Manchester United, albeit with all their top-four rivals having played more games.

The scoreline at Selhurst Park did not flatter an impressive Palace, who continue to improve under former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira, with the victory moving them up to ninth.

"I'm really proud," Vieira told Sky Sports. "We defended well and took our chances. We scored in important moments of the game. We needed a big team performance and we did it so we're really pleased.

"It is a good moment for the club but we know we need to be consistent in our performances and results."

Arsenal's hopes of securing a top-four Premier League finish this season were dealt a blow as the below-par visitors suffered a 3-0 defeat against rampant Crystal Palace on Monday.

Arsenal's hopes of securing a top-four Premier League finish this season were dealt a blow as the below-par visitors suffered a 3-0 defeat against rampant Crystal Palace on Monday. Arsenal were put to the sword in the first half by the clinical hosts, with goals from forwards Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jordan Ayew giving Palace a deserved 2-0 interval lead. The Londoners improved after the break, with Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard missing big chances to get their team back in the match. Their wastefulness proved costly as Wilfried Zaha put the game to bed with a penalty 16 minutes from time. Tottenham Hotspur's 5-0 home victory over Newcastle United on Sunday means they are fourth, ahead of their of their north London rivals on goal difference having played a game more. ALSO READ: Premier League: Manchester United's hopes of a top-four finish dented after draw against Leicester City Arsenal had been in fine form on the road in the Premier League prior to their trip to south London on Monday. "Congratulations to Palace for the game they played but we made it impossible for ourselves with the way we competed," Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports. "I apologise to our supporters. We didn't have the presence today or the composure to dominate the situation so that is what I`m most annoyed with. "First of all we need to put our hands up and get the criticism we deserve. Then we accept it, look ourselves in the mirror and look to the next game. This was not good enough." NO RHYTHM Arsenal's 1-0 win at Aston Villa last time out was their fifth away league victory in a row - the first time they had been on such a run since May 2015. But they struggled from the start to find any rhythm, with Palace very much the better side in the opening period. It took the home side 16 minutes to break the deadlock, as Joachim Andersen's head sent a free-kick across the box for Mateta to steer in his fourth league goal of the season. Eight minutes later and centre-back Anderson again turned provider, picking out a perfect pass for Ayew, who controlled well before finding the net for the first time since December. Arsenal just could not create any openings of note in the first half, with Mateta going close to adding a third for Palace before the interval. Content with a two-goal lead, the hosts sat back and invited pressure after the break. Smith Rowe should have done better from close range before Odegaard dragged his effort wide. Zaha then broke on the counter and was awarded a penalty - only Raheem Sterling (23) and Jamie Vardy (21) have been given more penalties in Premier League history than the Ivory Coast forward - which he converted emphatically. Arsenal substitute Eddie Nketiah did hit the crossbar but it would have been too little, too late. A second defeat in their last three league games opens the door for Arsenal's top-four rivals and Arteta's side still have it all to do to secure a return to the Champions League for the first time since 2016-17. ALSO READ: Premier League: Christian Eriksen scores as Brentford stun Chelsea 4-1 Fifth-placed Arsenal are level on 54 points with Spurs and three points ahead of West Ham United and Manchester United, albeit with all their top-four rivals having played more games. The scoreline at Selhurst Park did not flatter an impressive Palace, who continue to improve under former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira, with the victory moving them up to ninth. "I'm really proud," Vieira told Sky Sports. "We defended well and took our chances. We scored in important moments of the game. We needed a big team performance and we did it so we're really pleased. "It is a good moment for the club but we know we need to be consistent in our performances and results."

Arsenal's top-four hopes suffer blow with 3-0 thrashing against Crystal Palace in Premier League

Villarreal scored three late goals to secure a stunning 3-0 Champions League second-leg victory at Juventus on Wednesday, condemning the Serie A side to a 4-1 aggregate loss and a last-16 exit for the third successive season.

Having fallen before the quarter-finals against Olympique Lyonnais and Porto in the previous two seasons, in-form Juventus, who had lost just once in their last 21 matches in all competitions, were firm favourites to progress.

Juve dominated the first half and were unfortunate not to go into the break in front after Dusan Vlahovic's brilliant flicked effort came back off the crossbar, but they could not keep up the pressure in the second period.

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Villarreal were content to sit back and wait for their moment, which came in the 78th minute after the visitors were awarded a penalty following a VAR review, with substitute Gerard Moreno, who had only just come on, squeezing the spot kick home.

Juve threw on Argentine striker Paulo Dybala as they looked to level the tie, but goals down the other end from defender Pau Torres and another penalty, this time converted by Arnaut Danjuma, completed a famous win for Unai Emery's team.

It is the first time Emery has progressed from a tie in the knockout stages of the Champions League, while Villarreal had not qualified for the quarter-finals of the competition since 2008-09.

"I actually missed the last penalty I took in a game, but everyone had my back and I knew I was going to score," Moreno said.

"Once we got ahead we were more comfortable. We showed that we are always able to compete with the best at the highest level, whoever is on the pitch."

Juventus came into the last 16 having also enjoyed an impressive group-stage campaign where they finished top ahead of the current holders Chelsea.

A blistering start saw Spanish striker Alvaro Morata denied by a fine save from Villarreal goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, giving the home fans hope that progression to the last eight would be a smooth process.

January signing Vlahovic was proving to be a real handful, drilling wide before his improvised effort came out off the woodwork.

Villarreal were enjoying plenty of possession, but could not do much with it. They looked more comfortable after the break, however, as Juve struggled to keep up their momentum.

Daniele Rugani's lunging tackle on Francis Coquelin gave Villarreal the chance to lead the tie for the first time.

Juve keeper Wojciech Szczesny, who saved a penalty at the weekend, almost kept out the spot kick, but saw the ball squirm through his hands.

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Torres's finish from a corner sparked wild scenes of celebration with Villarreal knowing the job was done, even though there was still time for another converted penalty, after Matthijs de Ligt’s handball.

Having dominated for such long periods, only Juve will know how they managed to lose by three goals.

"I think the team played well for over 75 minutes," Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri said. "In the second half, Villarreal decided to just defend in block but they had one chance and they took it.

"We had good chances in the first half, fewer in the second because Villarreal started defending with 11 men, clearly trying to bring the game to extra time. Then that (opening) goal changed everything."

Villarreal scored three late goals to secure a stunning 3-0 Champions League second-leg victory at Juventus on Wednesday, condemning the Serie A side to a 4-1 aggregate loss and a last-16 exit for the third successive season.

Villarreal scored three late goals to secure a stunning 3-0 Champions League second-leg victory at Juventus on Wednesday, condemning the Serie A side to a 4-1 aggregate loss and a last-16 exit for the third successive season. Having fallen before the quarter-finals against Olympique Lyonnais and Porto in the previous two seasons, in-form Juventus, who had lost just once in their last 21 matches in all competitions, were firm favourites to progress. Juve dominated the first half and were unfortunate not to go into the break in front after Dusan Vlahovic's brilliant flicked effort came back off the crossbar, but they could not keep up the pressure in the second period. ALSO READ: Chicago Cubs owners team up with Citadel founder Ken Griffin to bid for Chelsea Football Club Villarreal were content to sit back and wait for their moment, which came in the 78th minute after the visitors were awarded a penalty following a VAR review, with substitute Gerard Moreno, who had only just come on, squeezing the spot kick home. Juve threw on Argentine striker Paulo Dybala as they looked to level the tie, but goals down the other end from defender Pau Torres and another penalty, this time converted by Arnaut Danjuma, completed a famous win for Unai Emery's team. It is the first time Emery has progressed from a tie in the knockout stages of the Champions League, while Villarreal had not qualified for the quarter-finals of the competition since 2008-09. "I actually missed the last penalty I took in a game, but everyone had my back and I knew I was going to score," Moreno said. "Once we got ahead we were more comfortable. We showed that we are always able to compete with the best at the highest level, whoever is on the pitch." Juventus came into the last 16 having also enjoyed an impressive group-stage campaign where they finished top ahead of the current holders Chelsea. A blistering start saw Spanish striker Alvaro Morata denied by a fine save from Villarreal goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, giving the home fans hope that progression to the last eight would be a smooth process. January signing Vlahovic was proving to be a real handful, drilling wide before his improvised effort came out off the woodwork. Villarreal were enjoying plenty of possession, but could not do much with it. They looked more comfortable after the break, however, as Juve struggled to keep up their momentum. Daniele Rugani's lunging tackle on Francis Coquelin gave Villarreal the chance to lead the tie for the first time. Juve keeper Wojciech Szczesny, who saved a penalty at the weekend, almost kept out the spot kick, but saw the ball squirm through his hands. ALSO READ: Real Madrid to donate one million euros to help displaced in Ukraine amid Russia's invasion Torres's finish from a corner sparked wild scenes of celebration with Villarreal knowing the job was done, even though there was still time for another converted penalty, after Matthijs de Ligt’s handball. Having dominated for such long periods, only Juve will know how they managed to lose by three goals. "I think the team played well for over 75 minutes," Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri said. "In the second half, Villarreal decided to just defend in block but they had one chance and they took it. "We had good chances in the first half, fewer in the second because Villarreal started defending with 11 men, clearly trying to bring the game to extra time. Then that (opening) goal changed everything."

Champions League: Villarreal knock Juventus out with 3-0 victory to enter quarter-finals

Tottenham Hotspur made light of striker Harry Kane&#39;s injury absence as Christian Eriksen scored twice in a 3-0 victory at Swansea City in a one-sided FA Cup quarter-final on Saturday.

Danish midfielder Eriksen produced a classy performance, giving Spurs the lead with an exquisite 11th-minute opener and finishing off the hosts just past the hour.

Erik Lamela was also on target for Tottenham who will now effectively have a &#39;home&#39; semi-final at Wembley Stadium, their temporary home this season while their new ground is built.

Tottenham have reached back-to-back FA Cup semis for the first time since 1982, although they have lost all seven of those they have contested since they last won the Cup in 1991.

Swansea, who had lost only once in their previous 14 games under new manager Carlos Carvalhal, were in the last eight for the first time in 54 years but offered precious little.

Top scorer Kane faces several weeks out after injuring his ankle in the Premier League win at Bournemouth last week but Spurs hardly missed the England man as they strolled to victory.

They have now scored seven goals since he hobbled off early on the south coast last week.

&quot;We&#39;re in the semi-finals, Wembley is waiting, we deserve it,&quot; Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino, yet to mark his impressive work at the club with a trophy, said.

&quot;Of course when you score early it makes it easy to control the game.&quot;

Missing Ayews&nbsp;

Swansea were without cup-tied striker Andre Ayew and his brother Jordan who was suspended, but began brightly enough with Tammy Abraham having an early chance.

But once they fell behind they appeared to have little appetite for the contest.

Eriksen is lethal when given time and space and he had both in abundance as he advanced before curling a left-foot shot past the dive of Swedish keeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt.

Tottenham&#39;s Son Heung-min then had a goal disallowed for offside -- the referee&#39;s decision being referred to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system for confirmation.

Eriksen also had a shot tipped onto the bar by Nordfeldt but Spurs did double their lead when Argentine Lamela showed neat footwork before stroking a right-foot shot inside the post.

Tottenham&#39;s second-choice keeper Michel Vorm, formerly of Swansea, had little to do although he made one great double save just after the break, stopping Martin Olsson&#39;s piledriver before reacting well to save Abraham&#39;s headed follow-up.

The visitors&#39; third goal came after a long spell of possession when Eriksen arrived on the edge of the area to thump a shot past Nordfeldt who was deceived by the bounce.

Pochettino&#39;s team turned the rest of the match into a training routine as their fans chanted their traditional FA Cup song &quot;Spurs are on their way to Wembley&quot; with a hint of irony.

With Chelsea, who face Leicester City away on Sunday, and Manchester United, at home to Brighton &amp; Hove Albion later on Saturday, still in the competition there is much work ahead if Tottenham are to lift the trophy for a ninth time.

For Swansea the challenge is to stay in the Premier League, having clawed their way out of the relegation zone.

&quot;We achieved the best run in the FA Cup since 1964, this cup we gave importance to it but our main competition is trying to save the team. So now we move to the Premier,&quot; Carvalhal said.

Danish midfielder Eriksen produced a classy performance, giving Spurs the lead with an exquisite 11th-minute opener and finishing off the hosts just past the hour.

Tottenham Hotspur made light of striker Harry Kane's injury absence as Christian Eriksen scored twice in a 3-0 victory at Swansea City in a one-sided FA Cup quarter-final on Saturday. Danish midfielder Eriksen produced a classy performance, giving Spurs the lead with an exquisite 11th-minute opener and finishing off the hosts just past the hour. Erik Lamela was also on target for Tottenham who will now effectively have a 'home' semi-final at Wembley Stadium, their temporary home this season while their new ground is built. Tottenham have reached back-to-back FA Cup semis for the first time since 1982, although they have lost all seven of those they have contested since they last won the Cup in 1991. Swansea, who had lost only once in their previous 14 games under new manager Carlos Carvalhal, were in the last eight for the first time in 54 years but offered precious little. Top scorer Kane faces several weeks out after injuring his ankle in the Premier League win at Bournemouth last week but Spurs hardly missed the England man as they strolled to victory. They have now scored seven goals since he hobbled off early on the south coast last week. "We're in the semi-finals, Wembley is waiting, we deserve it," Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino, yet to mark his impressive work at the club with a trophy, said. "Of course when you score early it makes it easy to control the game." Missing Ayews Swansea were without cup-tied striker Andre Ayew and his brother Jordan who was suspended, but began brightly enough with Tammy Abraham having an early chance. But once they fell behind they appeared to have little appetite for the contest. Eriksen is lethal when given time and space and he had both in abundance as he advanced before curling a left-foot shot past the dive of Swedish keeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt. Tottenham's Son Heung-min then had a goal disallowed for offside -- the referee's decision being referred to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system for confirmation. Eriksen also had a shot tipped onto the bar by Nordfeldt but Spurs did double their lead when Argentine Lamela showed neat footwork before stroking a right-foot shot inside the post. Tottenham's second-choice keeper Michel Vorm, formerly of Swansea, had little to do although he made one great double save just after the break, stopping Martin Olsson's piledriver before reacting well to save Abraham's headed follow-up. The visitors' third goal came after a long spell of possession when Eriksen arrived on the edge of the area to thump a shot past Nordfeldt who was deceived by the bounce. Pochettino's team turned the rest of the match into a training routine as their fans chanted their traditional FA Cup song "Spurs are on their way to Wembley" with a hint of irony. With Chelsea, who face Leicester City away on Sunday, and Manchester United, at home to Brighton & Hove Albion later on Saturday, still in the competition there is much work ahead if Tottenham are to lift the trophy for a ninth time. For Swansea the challenge is to stay in the Premier League, having clawed their way out of the relegation zone. "We achieved the best run in the FA Cup since 1964, this cup we gave importance to it but our main competition is trying to save the team. So now we move to the Premier," Carvalhal said.

FA Cup: Spurs into semis after Eriksen double sinks Swansea

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Arsenal's top-four hopes suffer blow with 3-0 thrashing against Crystal Palace in Premier League

Champions League: Villarreal knock Juventus out with 3-0 victory to enter quarter-finals

FA Cup: Spurs into semis after Eriksen double sinks Swansea