Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage believes his team made a significant improvement in their 2-2 draw away to Besiktas, although he felt the result did not fully reflect their performance.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Sage said Palace had responded positively after a poorer display on Sunday. He challenged the Eagles to build on that progress and secure a win when they face Newcastle on Sunday.
Jean-Philippe Mateta was a particular source of satisfaction for the Palace boss after scoring in Istanbul. Sage said the forward had not been fully ready to play before the match and was visibly tiring before being substituted, but praised his determination to continue giving everything on the pitch.
The goal added to Mateta's impressive record since joining Palace. Since his debut for the club in February 2021, he has scored 63 times in all competitions, which is 26 more than any other Palace player during that period. Eberechi Eze is next on 37 goals.
Sage also highlighted the wider contribution from his squad, pointing to strong individual displays as well as the collective effort. Palace's defensive record away from home remains an area for improvement, with the Eagles keeping only one clean sheet in their last 16 away matches in all competitions and conceding 33 goals across that run.
