LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — Arsene Wenger’s wretched season hit a new low as Arsenal crashed to a humiliating 3-0 defeat, at lowly Crystal Palace yesterday, that leaves their top-four bid in tatters.

Wenger has been under siege in recent weeks as angry Arsenal fans demanded his resignation, and the calls for the Gunners boss to quit will grow even louder after one of the most chastening defeats of his 21-year reign.

Needing a victory to keep pace with their rivals in the race for Champions League qualification, spineless Arsenal showed none of the required poise and passion as they crumbled on a woebegone Monday night in south London.

Andros Townsend put Palace ahead in the first half and Yohan Cabaye doubled the hosts’ lead after the break.

Luka Milivojevic’s penalty rubbed salt into Wenger’s wounds as he digested Arsenal’s fifth defeat in their last eight league games.

Arsenal, beaten at Palace for the first time since 1979, were shambolic and their underachieving stars were barracked with chants of “you’re not fit to wear the shirt” in the closing stages of their heaviest league defeat this season.

Wenger’s retort to critics who claim he’s past his best is to point at his record of leading Arsenal into the Champions League for the last 19 seasons.

But that crutch looks increasingly flimsy after a defeat that leaves sixth-placed Arsenal languishing seven points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, although with one game in hand.

It is increasingly difficult to see how Wenger, who has yet to sign a new contract, can prolong his reign as his team falls apart around him.

Palace, now six points clear of the relegation zone, recently won at leaders Chelsea, and it quickly became clear they were capable of another famous scalp.

Harrying Arsenal out of possession, Sam Allardyce’s side carved out a good chance when Christian Benteke teed up Milivojevic for a powerful strike that flashed just wide from the edge of the area.

Rattled by that early escape, Arsenal tried to respond as Mohamed Elneny’s long-range effort was pushed away by Wayne Hennessey.

But with Laurent Koscielny again absent due to injury, Wenger’s defence were a bag of nerves, and it was no surprise when Palace bullied their way into the lead in the 17th minute.

Failing to deal with a routine high ball towards Benteke, Arsenal reacted too slowly as Townsend exchanged passes with Cabaye on the edge of the area.