Player ratings from Crystal Palace’s 4-1 defeat at Arsenal

Crystal Palace suffered a 4-1 against Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday.

Paddy McCarthy was taking interim charge of the Eagles after Patrick Vieira was sacked on Friday morning.

Here are Edmund Brack’s player ratings from 

JOE WHITWORTH – 6

Good save to deny Martin Odegaard from the edge of the box in the 17th minute. Could not do a lot about the goals.

Considering the magnitude of the situation a 19-year-old has been thrown into, he has coped with it remarkably well.

His distribution is top-class and extremely suited for the Premier League stage.

The Palace academy graduate can be very proud of his week.

JOEL WARD – 5

A leader and showed fight under challenging circumstances, but it was a suicidal decision to match him up against Gabriel Martinelli.

Pulled off nine clearances – the most of any Palace player.

JAMES TOMKINS – 5

Far too easy for Granit Xhaka and Leandro Trossard to pass the ball around him for the third goal.

But considering he was thrust into the starting line-up 15 minutes before kick-off, the 33-year-old pulled off some good defending at times.

Made eight clearances and two interceptions.

MARC GUEHI – 6

Far too good to be involved in a relegation battle. Reads the game so well and will have a long and successful career when he moves on to his next venture.

Made seven clearances and won four interceptions.

TYRICK MITCHELL – 5

Had a tough afternoon against Bukayo Saka and the overlapping Ben White.

Won two tackles and four blocks.

LUKA MILIVOJEVIC – 6

Thought the Serbian midfielder did well in his 65 minutes in north London in Albert Sambi Lokonga’s absence.

Made three blocks and four interceptions.

CHEICK DOUCOURE – 5

Gave the ball away for Martinelli’s opener and also made a needless attempt at a drag-back pass, which gave away possession.

The 23-year-old does so much well but makes naive and reckless decisions sometimes.

JEFFREY SCHLUPP – 7

Lots of energy and intensity about his game. Took his goal well and pressed well. A player of the match performance from the midfielder.

WILFRIED ZAHA – 6 

Cut inside and smashed an effort off the post early on. Was trying to carve out chances right up until the end and had two shots on target.

Looked good through the middle in the final stages of the game.

ODSONNE EDOUARD – 6

Excellent link-up play in the first 10 minutes – the best he has started a game in a while.

Fazed out of the game and was taken off in the 65th minute. Needs to find confidence quickly – Palace need goals. He is arguably the best finisher at the club.

MICHAEL OLISE – 6

Good defensive work again from the youngster but was limited going forward.

SUBS:

WILL HUGHES – 5 

Lazy clearance to give the ball back to Kieran Tierney for Arsenal’s fourth goal.

JORDAN AYEW – 5

Had a shot blocked in the 90th minute, but did not bring much attacking impetus. 

EBERECHI EZE – NA

NAOUIROU AHAMADA – NA

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD