Adam Sells’ takeaways from Crystal Palace’s 5-0 defeat to Arsenal – it’s unfathomable that there hasn’t been more urgency to make transfer window signings

Crystal Palace slumped to a heavy 5-0 defeat at Arsenal on Saturday to make it one win since the start of November.

Here are Adam Sells’ takeaways from the match in north London.

SHUFFLING THE SAME PACK

 You had to sympathise with Roy Hodgson as he stood pitch side after the game.

As ever, the Palace boss remained a gentlemen when quizzed by the large press contingent post-match, piling on the misery.

It is really difficult to see what more he can do without reinforcements at this point.

The squad is some way from where it should be. Short on quality and numbers, there is little more that can be tried, with the existing group, particularly given all of the injury problems.

The Eagles turned up at The Emirates without the services of Joel Ward, Nathan Ferguson, Cheick Doucoure, Rob Holding, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Michael Olise and Jordan Ayew.

Football is a game of opinions and there will always be debate about team selection and shape, but there are no huge changes that Hodgson is able to make to alter his team and its fortunes right now.

A TOUGH TASK MADE TOUGHER

 Gleaning points from a trip to high-flying Arsenal is always a tall order, but the real disappointment from a defensive perspective was the nature of the goals conceded.

Palace contained their hosts for large parts in open play, but to lose two goals from corner kicks in such a straightforward manner made a difficult task impossible.

The third was a very basic counter attack. A quick throw from David Raya for Gabriel Jesus and one pass later Leandro Trossard was bearing down on Dean Henderson’s goal.

The two late goals after Hodgson had opted to change Nathaniel Clyne for Naouirou Ahamada put an unlikely complexion on the scoreline.

The Palace manager accepted responsibility for the gamble afterwards, with Gabriel Martinelli afforded the freedom of north London to finish twice in almost identical fashion.

NO MICHAEL – NO MAGIC…

Michael Olise is of course the biggest miss, and in his absence, there were not many alternatives.

Eberechi Eze is returning to form after injury, but there is far too much responsibility on one man’s shoulders.

This time last year, Wilfried Zaha and the two aforementioned always provided an attacking threat and an ability to cause opponents problems.

This year, in terms of minutes on the field, Olise has not managed much over seven games, while Eze a slightly better 11 games. Palace have now played 22 matches and their two special attacking talents have been absent for more than half.

There has been no real replacement for the irrepressible Zaha of any kind.

Matheus Franca is talented with excellent technique but is going to need more time to develop.

Ball-carrying widemen with pace and trickery should be the biggest priority of this transfer window.

NO TIME TO WASTE

After such a chastening defeat during a difficult run, there is inevitable speculation around the manager and his position. There was much discord inside the stadium with banners unfurled criticising the board and a lack of progress.

Hodgson needs players – pure and simple.

It is unfathomable that three weeks prior to this fixture, Palace knew they would be without key men and yet there was not more urgency to bring in fresh faces.

The clock is now ticking, with 10 days until Palace entertain Sheffield United in what will be a crucial encounter.

It would a huge boost to welcome back the likes of Olise and Rak-Sakyi for the visit of the Blades to Selhurst Park, together with a few new signings.

A positive approach from the club is what is needed at this time. Palace desperately need those returning players and some new additions to keep a comfortable buffer between themselves and the bottom three.

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD