It is Roy, it really is. Southampton are going to have £75m to spend for starters.

Palace again showed enough to suggest that they have enough to stay up though.

Join us Saturday for plenty more Premier League action. Until then good night!

Crystal Palace

Image source, EPA

More from Roy Hodgson: "We need a lot more wins. My only comfort is that this team does not lie down and has goals in it. It is prepared to play on the front foot and take chances. The goals that come our way are crafted and often involve us playing a long time in the opposition half.

"Against the top teams, they can hurt you on the counter. The fans who leave here know we have given it a good go. Perhaps we weren't that far off the point we wanted."

On transfers: "Everyone at the club are anxious to help as best they can. It is a difficult market and we need the quality players in the right position. I am hoping the right players will come up and the club will do everything in its power to help us get them."

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson, speaking to BBC Sport: "In the first half they showed their class and we were fully stretched to make sure we didn't concede more. I was pleased how we came out in the second half, asking questions of their defence. The equaliser was deserved. The second goal damaged us. They could relax more and it led to the third. But I was pleased with our resilience not to lie down. We kept going at it and the second goal was deserved for our efforts. It was a bit late. We needed that to come six minutes earlier to give us a real chance.

"We weren't getting close enough to the ball first half. We weren't as aggressive as we would like our players to be. They were aggressive in closing down and we wanted to match that effort. We did that second half and held a reasonable line. From the chances in the game we were every bit as dangerous as them. We weren't clinical enough. We have to accept we lost the game against a very good team that probably deserved it over 90 minutes."

In the least surprising bit of managerial reaction from tonight, Roy Hodgson is 'hoping' that Palace will strengthen in January.

Arsenal

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, speaking to BBC Sport: "Crystal Palace have made some results recently, overall we played a good game. Our fluency was very good, at a few moments in the game we lost it a little bit.

"I love attacking football but everybody is responsible for their own tactics. It is the way we are."

On Alexis Sanchez: "I never questioned his commitment but when you have his contract situation and have as a good a game, people question you."

On Jack Wilshere: "It was a great assist. He had a great performance as a midfielder and that shows that Jack is coming back to form."

Crystal Palace

Image source, Getty Images

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson, speaking to Sky Sports: "They have got a lot of quality. At 1-1 we were playing well and I thought we were on the front foot. Not comfortable but holding our end up. With the second goal knew then it would be an uphill task. But credit to the players. We did not capitulate after the third goal. Our second goal was scant reward for our play. It was a good performance form Arsenal. We were beaten by the better team in the end.

"When they were pushing us back with wide players we were not getting out quick enough following clearances. They sustained their attacks. In the second half we got closer to players in midfield. It was a good performance in terms of aggression and determination. If you give their three midfield players time they don't give it back.

"There are no positives in defeat as such. It is good we didn't get beat by more goals. Goal difference is important. We showed we are a good team and we have quality players in our team. For us it is a question of keeping fighting. Even at 3-1 down to a team of this quality there was no resignation or sign of not doing the right things. Had the game been five or six minutes longer maybe we could have got something."

Image source, Getty Images

Peter: Never a boring game with Arsenal. Made very hard work of that at the end but still credit to them for seeing it through.

Ricky Kelehar: Sanchez has been decent this season. Don’t forget, he’s been playing wide all season - his best position is in the centre where he got those goals.

Riomegan: Once again shaky Arsenal, not enough to keep scoring or defend a good score.

Arsenal are at West Brom on New Year's Eve, while Palace host Manchester City earlier that day.

It won't be an easy game for the champions elect...

Arsenal

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, speaking to Sky Sports: "Overall it was a convincing win even though in the second half it was harder than the first. We found the resources to score two great goals and from then we never gave up.

"You want to win the game no matter how you suffer in the end. We did that.

"We gained composure. We have come here and it is a difficult game for everyone in the league. We suffered a bit but for the biggest part of the game we played well."

On Alexis Sanchez potentially leaving: "I am not fearful but as you said that will be a subject that arises because of his contractual situation. I can only repeat what I said until now."

Johnny Magrinho: Fair play Palace! Positive from the start and provided a spirited comeback late on. The gulf in quality ultimately decided who won tonight, with Sanchez playing a blinder. If Palace carry on like this they'll stay up. Credit to Roy for turning their season around!

Ricky Lee Everett: Good effort from Palace - lose due to a few minutes of sloppyness. Arsenal again look soft at the back.

Craig Smith: Never a boring game with Arsenal. Made very hard work of that at the end but still credit to them for seeing it through.

Crystal Palace

Palace defender James Tomkins: "In the first half we were majorly disappointing, they dominated and then we gave them a good game in the end.

"A lot of the lads were tired out there and they moved the ball well, but we could have nicked a draw in the second half. We took the game to them and got the ball to Christian Benteke.

"The fans were pretty happy leaving, there are positives to take from the game."

Matthew Upson
Former England defender on 5 live

Image source, Getty Images

I thought Jack Wilshere did an excellent job, the only thing is can he keep his fitness? I am as surprised by anyone this season he is playing matches, but something has clicked and he has a routine and a regime, and if he stays fit of course he has an opportunity this summer.

Arsenal

Image source, PA

Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi, speaking to Sky Sports: "It is difficult when you come to places like this. You have to adapt to their game especially when you go don't have the ball. We did well.

"I showed my striker instincts (to score). It is important to go ahead.

"It would take too long to explain to you the difference between a back four and back three. You have to cover different areas so it is important to concentrate. On the other side it is a strength to be able to play two systems."

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, speaking to Sky Sports: "He (Roy Hodgson) has changed them and they are getting results. Our defence dealt with Benteke well. We are happy.

"He (Alexis Sanchez) comes and spins behind and makes it easier for us to pick passes. He puts it in which helps us get an assist.

"I was happy with my form last year. I'm probably playing better now. I feel fitter and I am enjoying my football.

"This is a difficult place to come and we have adapted to different types of football. We hit them twice on the counter."

Brace yourselves - but there is no Premier League football tomorrow!

I know, I know.

Just the seven games on Saturday.

Matthew Upson
Former England defender on 5 live

I am disappointed the game has ended. It was an excellent game, end to end and Palace threw it all at Arsenal, but I am not convinced by Arsenal. They can be just brilliant, but at the other end you can see why they are fifth or sixth in the league.

Palace started bright and in the first 15 minutes they were up and about Arsenal, but Arsenal had the quality in the end.

Jack Wilshere says he is sure that a new contract will get signed soon to stay at Arsenal - happy with that Gunners fans?

P20 W11 D4 L5 - Arsenal and Spurs have exactly the same record so far this season. Tottenham are ahead on goal difference.

The home crowd have given their side a huge ovation off the field there, as 'Eagles! Eagles!' rings out. Like I said, they had a few 5-10 minute spells when they had the Gunners on the rack.