Crystal Palace’s meeting with Newcastle has become a major test of Pierre Sage’s tenure, with the manager under pressure to deliver a rapid improvement. Palace have conceded 17 goals in their first seven Premier League matches, while the move away from Oliver Glasner’s counterattacking 3-4-2-1 system has exposed serious defensive problems. Last week’s heavy defeat at Brighton intensified concerns, despite league victories over Fulham and Nottingham Forest.
Sage’s position is understood to be increasingly uncertain. Palace chair Steve Parish has reportedly yet to be convinced by the Frenchman, who guided Lens to the French Cup last season, and has demanded defensive improvements. The midweek Europa League draw with Besiktas offered some encouragement, but Sunday’s match is viewed as crucial. Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna have been mentioned as possible replacements should Sage leave, although compensation for McKenna could present a significant obstacle.
Palace’s midfield selection will be closely watched after the partnership between Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada appeared to give the team greater stability against Besiktas. Sage had separated the pair after the deadline-day arrival of Quinten Timber, whose energy has added a different dimension. However, Wharton has struggled defensively, while Kamada has impressed in a more advanced role. Timber missed the match in Turkey through injury, but the display could encourage Sage to restore the combination that served Glasner well.
The manager has also had to contend with an unsettled squad and a lack of experience at the back. Maxence Lacroix was sold to Chelsea during a chaotic end to the transfer window, while Axel Disasi’s three-match suspension following his red card against Ipswich has further reduced Sage’s defensive options. Disasi arrived on loan from Chelsea alongside Italian teenager Honest Ahanor. Palace’s chairman and sporting director Matt Hobbs have faced criticism over the failure to add more experienced defensive cover, with Hobbs’s own position reportedly under scrutiny.
There have been difficulties in attack too, with Ismaïla Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta having made clear their wish to leave Selhurst Park during the summer. Mateta nevertheless scored on his first start since the opening day against Besiktas, providing a positive note before the Newcastle fixture. Palace have not lost at home to Newcastle since November 2020, but Sage’s side will need a far more controlled performance to protect that record.
The wider situation adds to the pressure. Palace made an almost £40m profit on their summer transfer dealings, the second-lowest net spend in the Premier League behind Aston Villa, while the club’s American owners are estimated to have a combined wealth of £10bn. Parish said last month that he was still seeking additional funding for the new main stand at Selhurst Park, and Woody Johnson, Josh Harris and David Blitzer are thought to be open to selling their shares after Raine Group was appointed to seek fresh investment. Avoiding any serious relegation threat is therefore an important priority, and Sage now needs results as well as signs that his new approach can work.
