Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage is fighting to keep his job after a disastrous start to the Premier League season. His position is under intense scrutiny ahead of Saturday's key trip to Tottenham, despite a midweek Carabao Cup victory over Fulham.
Sage's side sit 17th in the Premier League with just seven points from eight games, having lost their last two league matches. They have conceded 19 goals already, the worst defensive record in the division, which includes a 5-0 humiliation at rivals Brighton earlier this month.
Cup win offers brief respite
The 1-0 win at Craven Cottage on Tuesday, secured by Eddie Nketiah's first-half strike, booked a Carabao Cup quarter-final place. Sage made ten changes for the tie, deploying Ben Chilwell at centre-back, and saw Cheick Doucoure make his first start in 662 days after a horrific injury lay-off. The manager pointed to the performance as a sign of connection with the supporters.
"The fans are really behind us," Sage said. "They are happy when the team is like this."
That fight will be essential at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The next fixture is a major test, with Spurs currently 14th in the standings. Palace's recent form reads one win, one draw and three losses from their last five outings across all competitions.
Defensive woes and board patience
Chairman Steve Parish has so far decided against a change, granting Sage more time to turn things around. The Frenchman was not the board's first choice when appointed, with candidates like Andoni Iraola and Thomas Frank considered previously. Sean Dyche is seen as an early frontrunner should a change be made, with Kieran McKenna and Victor Matos also in the frame.
The club's summer business saw a net spend of just £73 million, the second-lowest in the top flight. Key sales included Brennan Johnson at a £20 million loss and defender Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea. Loan signing Axel Disasi has returned from a three-match ban to bolster a leaky backline.
Injury returnees offer a glimmer of hope. Jean-Philippe Mateta came back to score in the Europa League draw with Besiktas, but Ismaïla Sarr missed the Newcastle defeat with a recurring groin issue. The squad's depth will be tested in the coming weeks, with the full fixtures list showing a packed schedule.
Sage, when asked about a recent gesture of support, kept his focus personal. "It was to my wife," he remarked. "I like the fans but I love my wife."
With 14 points already separating Palace from leaders Manchester City, the immediate concern is climbing away from danger. The team travels to face Tottenham on Saturday, 31 October, knowing another poor result could be decisive.
The report in full is at inews.co.uk
