Pierre Sage accepted the decision to send off Jean-Philippe Mateta during Crystal Palace’s 2-0 defeat by Tottenham, saying the incident involved contact in an area where the player could not make it.
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, the Palace manager said he had no further comment to make on the dismissal and regarded the red card as a normal decision.
Sage explained that Palace had opted to remain compact and allow Tottenham more of the ball. However, the plan was undermined when Spurs scored from a set-piece. At half-time, Palace set a further target of keeping the game in its existing state until the 75th minute, when substitutions were intended to help change the approach.
The manager said he sees himself as the first person responsible for helping the team find solutions. He added that he expected to be with the squad on Monday to push for a win against Liverpool.
Sage also acknowledged that Palace’s current issue is one of team performance, particularly when in possession, and said the side must improve in that area.
The defeat also extended a notable Premier League pattern for Palace. They have conceded six headed goals this season, twice as many as any other side, with Chelsea and Aston Villa next on three. Both of Tottenham’s goals were scored with headers.
