Pierre Sage is facing a serious challenge at Crystal Palace after the defeat by Tottenham left the club in the Premier League’s bottom three. The result followed a difficult run of results and has intensified questions about how long the Frenchman can remain in charge.
Sage had been hoping to build on Palace’s Carabao Cup victory at Fulham, but the team’s promising start at Spurs was damaged by Jean-Philippe Mateta’s wild tackle. Palace then failed to deal with a corner from Mohamed Kudus, allowing Archie Gray to open the scoring 12 minutes later.
There were still signs that Sage’s players were prepared to fight for him. Palace showed determination for much of the contest, while the travelling supporters chanted the manager’s name during the second half.
Tottenham eventually took control, although Dean Henderson produced several late saves to keep the scoreline from becoming worse. The performance suggested Palace’s players had not stopped competing for their head coach, even as the club’s league position increases the pressure on him.
Sage took over from Oliver Glasner in the summer, following a difficult task in succeeding a manager who had guided Palace to the FA Cup and Uefa Conference League. Sympathy for Sage remains possible, but the club’s results now leave him in a vulnerable position.
