Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish is frustrated with manager Pierre Sage's decision to drop defender Jaydee Canvot. The 20-year-old was left out of the squad for Saturday's 3-2 home defeat by Ipswich Town, a result that leaves Palace 16th in the Premier League with just three points from four games.
Sage described the omission as a "sporting" one, but it has not been well received internally. Canvot is viewed as a key part of the club's long-term project, having become a regular starter in the second half of last season following Marc Guehi's departure to Manchester City. Parish's frustration stems from the timing, with the team having conceded 11 goals in its first four league matches.
A disappointing start
The 3-2 loss to newly-promoted Ipswich was Palace's third defeat in four Premier League outings this season. They have scored six goals but leaked 11, a defensive record that puts them nine points behind leaders Arsenal. Sage, who replaced Oliver Glasner after winning the FA Cup and Conference League at Selhurst Park, has also previously left Dwight McNeil and Evann Guessand out of matchday squads.
Palace's recent form reads two wins and three losses from their last five matches. Key players like Chadi Riad, Ismaïla Sarr, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eddie Nketiah are currently sidelined, adding to the selection challenges. The club's standings position highlights the pressure to improve quickly.
Attention now turns to a tough away fixture against third-placed Leeds United on Sunday, 20 September. The full fixtures list shows a critical run of games ahead. How Sage manages his squad, and whether Canvot returns, will be closely watched by a chairman seeking stability after a rocky opening month.
The report in full is at Daily Mail Sport
