Crystal Palace’s difficult league run continued with a 2-0 defeat at Tottenham, where Jean-Philippe Mateta’s early red card left Pierre Sage’s side facing almost the entire match with 10 men. The result was Palace’s third consecutive league loss and moved them into the bottom three.
Mateta was initially shown a yellow card in the 13th minute after catching Micky van de Ven on the heel while challenging for the ball. The decision was upgraded after a VAR review, leaving Sage visibly frustrated as his striker left the pitch.
Palace had made a promising start, with Mateta testing Antonin Kinsky before his dismissal. They held Tottenham at bay for a period afterwards, but Archie Gray eventually gave the hosts the lead with an unmarked header from a Mohammed Kudus corner. Palace were unable to prevent further pressure after the interval, with Dean Henderson making a save to keep out one Tottenham opportunity.
Tottenham’s second goal arrived when Jan Paul van Hecke followed up after Henderson had pushed his first header onto the crossbar, nodding the ball over the line from close range. Palace had limited opportunities to respond, although Dwight McNeil saw an effort blocked and Eddie Nketiah was introduced as Sage attempted to ease the pressure on his team.
Sage’s future is now uncertain, with an expectation that defeat could put his position at risk. Chair Steve Parish will decide what happens next, while Liverpool are due to visit Selhurst Park before the international break. Sean Dyche and Thomas Frank are understood to be waiting in the wings. Palace have performed better in cup competitions this season, and Oscar Mingueza had been handed his first Premier League start on the right after impressing against Fulham in midweek.
