Pierre Sage insisted Crystal Palace’s 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest was about securing an important Premier League result rather than seeking revenge against former manager Oliver Glasner.
Glasner returned to Selhurst Park for the first time since leaving Palace at the end of last season to take charge of Forest. His current side made a fast start through Dan Ndoye, but Daichi Kamada and Jefferson Lerma turned the match around with two goals in eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino then completed the scoring shortly before the hour mark.
Sage said the match should be viewed as Palace against Forest, rather than a personal contest involving Glasner. He also acknowledged the contribution the Austrian made during his time with the Eagles, while praising the players for their commitment despite admitting that Palace allowed Forest too many opportunities, particularly in one-on-one situations.
The victory was Palace’s first against Forest in 13 Premier League meetings, following eight draws and four defeats. It lifted the Eagles to 12th place with seven points, while Palace have now recovered more points from losing positions than any other team in the division, with six.
Forest created eight big chances despite their defeat, but Glasner said the performance was his side’s best of the campaign and blamed the result on failing to take opportunities at crucial moments. The loss was Forest’s first away league defeat at Palace since December 2003, ending a run of nine unbeaten visits to Selhurst Park.
Glasner also thanked the Palace supporters for the reception he received on his return, saying it reflected the positive memories created during his time with the club.
