Crystal Palace overcame Nottingham Forest 3-1 at Selhurst Park, although Pierre Sage admitted his team were not at their best and benefited from a degree of fortune.

Forest created a number of opportunities during the opening 40 minutes, forcing Walter Benítez into a series of important saves. Sage acknowledged the defensive shortcomings afterwards, saying it was not normal for Palace to concede as many chances as they did during that period.

The victory also brought Sage a reunion with Oliver Glasner, who returned to Selhurst Park with Forest. Despite the uneven performance, the result gives Palace encouragement ahead of their upcoming fixtures.

Sage will now turn his attention to Thursday’s Europa League meeting with Lyon. Axel Disasi is available again after serving a suspension against Forest, although he will miss next weekend’s trip to face Brighton. Sage said Palace must become more consistent, while describing the result as a useful one for the team’s future games after the international break.