Pierre Sage is facing growing pressure at Crystal Palace after the club’s defensive problems reached a new low in a 5-0 defeat by Brighton. The result matched Brighton’s biggest-ever victory over their rivals and intensified concern about Palace’s start to the season.
Palace have now conceded 17 goals in their first seven league matches, the highest total in the division. The latest collapse also triggered an angry reaction from sections of the travelling support at the Amex Stadium, adding to the scrutiny on Sage.
Club chairman Steve Parish said during the international break that the manager’s position was on “high alert”. The scale of Saturday’s defeat is likely to increase the pressure before Palace’s next fixture, with a Europa League trip to Besiktas scheduled for Thursday.
There is, however, an argument that Sage has not been given the defensive resources required to maintain stability. Palace failed to adequately replace the influential Maxence Lacroix after his sale to Chelsea, and that shortfall is understood to have contributed to disagreements with Parish.
The coming days could therefore prove decisive for Sage. Palace’s defensive record, the reaction from supporters and the club hierarchy’s previous willingness to act quickly have combined to leave the Frenchman in an increasingly precarious position.
