Crystal Palace's turbulent start to the season hit a new low with a 4-1 home defeat to Manchester City, leaving the club bottom of the Premier League. The loss at Selhurst Park on Friday night exposed deep-seated issues on and off the pitch, as reported by The Athletic this week.
Pierre Sage, the new manager who previously led Lens in France, now faces a monumental task. His side have conceded six goals in their opening two matches, scoring just once for a goal difference of minus five. They are already six points behind the leaders, Manchester City, and sit 20th with zero points from two defeats.
What is causing the on-pitch struggles?
Injuries and transfer uncertainty have ripped through the squad. Key striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is out for at least four weeks with a hamstring injury and is in a contract dispute, wanting to leave. Winger Ismaila Sarr, who is also currently sidelined, was absent against City with a groin issue and is unsettled by transfer interest. Defender Chadi Riad has an ACL rupture.
The defensive unit that won the FA Cup 15 months ago has been dismantled. Marc Guehi, who played for City against his old club, was sold in January 2024. Maxence Lacroix joined Chelsea this summer. Right-back Daniel Munoz, subject to a £22 million offer from Nottingham Forest managed by former boss Oliver Glasner, was benched and is likely to leave before Tuesday's transfer deadline. Only five starters from that Wembley triumph began the City game.
How is the new manager handling the chaos?
Pierre Sage is adjusting to a new country and conveying his message in a non-native language. He has made proactive, early substitutions and is trying to implement an intensive attacking style, a shift from Oliver Glasner's more transition-based approach. After the match, Sage focused on the positives.
"You saw how we want to play for 60, 65 minutes this time," he said. "Last time, it was 45 minutes." He also stressed he was "not here for tourism." Despite his efforts, visible empty seats by the final whistle and a sense of despair among some supporters highlighted the growing disconnect.
What is happening off the field?
The Holmesdale Fanatics, the club's most vocal supporter group, have stopped all organised activity and were absent from the match, stripping Selhurst Park of its famous atmosphere. The stadium itself is undergoing redevelopment, with a temporary hospitality suite built at the Main Stand.
Crystal Palace's strategy of buying, developing, and selling players for sustainability is being severely tested. Six new signings have arrived this summer, but two have left and more exits are pending. The potential transfer of Joel Ordonez from Club Brugge is also under threat.
What comes next for Crystal Palace?
The immediate focus is the next fixture, an away trip to face Fulham on September 5th. Fulham are 12th in the table, presenting another tough challenge. After that, an extended three-week international break in late September offers a pause, but also more time for uncertainty to fester.
Sage must quickly find solutions from a depleted squad. Fans can track the team's progress and the latest availability issues on the club's squad and injuries pages. With the transfer window closing imminently and morale low, the club's resilience is under intense scrutiny as they fight to climb from the foot of the standings.
