Crystal Palace’s difficult start under Pierre Sage took another turn for the worse as Tottenham’s 2-0 victory left the Eagles in the Premier League relegation zone. The result has increased the pressure on the head coach, with Palace now facing a decision over his future.
The defeat extended Palace’s winless league run to three matches, with their last victory coming at the start of October against Oliver Glasner’s Nottingham Forest. The Eagles have now suffered six league defeats in nine matches, while Sage has overseen only two wins from his opening Premier League games in charge.
Palace’s task at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was made significantly harder when Jean-Philippe Mateta was sent off in the early stages. His initial yellow card for a late challenge on Micky van de Ven was upgraded to a red after a VAR review and a pitchside check by referee Michael Oliver.
Tottenham took advantage of the numerical advantage when Archie Gray headed them in front. Jan Paul van Hecke then scored after the interval to secure the points for Roberto De Zerbi’s side, who have won their last three Premier League matches.
Palace now turn their attention to a Europa League home fixture against Hoffenheim before Liverpool visit Selhurst Park next weekend. Those matches arrive with Sage’s position under further scrutiny following the latest setback.
