Pierre Sage accepted Jean-Philippe Mateta’s red card during Crystal Palace’s 2-0 defeat at Tottenham, saying the decision was justified after the forward made contact with an area of the opponent that he should not have touched.
Sage explained that Palace had set out to stay compact and allow Spurs possession, but the plan was undermined when Tottenham scored from a set-piece. At half-time, the intention was to remain in the game until the 75-minute mark before making changes.
The Palace manager said his plan was to use substitutions to alter the match in the closing stages. He acknowledged that the game did not develop as hoped and accepted responsibility for finding a response.
Sage also looked ahead to Monday’s meeting with Liverpool, saying he would be with the team and pushing for a winning performance. He identified Palace’s work with the ball as an area where the side must improve.
The defeat also continued Palace’s vulnerability to headed goals in the Premier League. The Eagles have conceded six this season, twice as many as any other team, while both of Tottenham’s goals were headed. Chelsea and Aston Villa are next on three each.
