Pierre Sage welcomed Crystal Palace’s first Premier League clean sheet of the season after the Eagles earned a point against an in-form Leeds United at Elland Road, although he felt the visitors had shown enough to win the match.
Palace were the stronger side in West Yorkshire and created a number of opportunities early in the second half. They were unable to find a finish, but Sage considered the overall performance worthy of the point, while stressing that the attacking side of the display would also require close analysis.
The manager was particularly encouraged by the way Palace defended when operating in a deeper position. He said the team had previously conceded through transitions, crosses and weaknesses inside the penalty area, but felt those problems were handled more effectively against Leeds. Palace also gave their opponents less time and space, with a more aggressive approach when the ball moved into wide areas.
Takehiro Tomiyasu was withdrawn at half-time after suffering a calf injury. Sage said the issue did not appear to be serious, explaining that the defender had been right to acknowledge he could not continue while not fully fit. Jefferson Lerma took his place and impressed with his defensive aggression and aerial ability, while also contributing in possession.
Sage believes the performances of the players used across the defensive positions helped Palace produce a more complete display. He also viewed Lerma’s contribution as another positive step, with the squad gaining additional options as more players become available.
Palace now face a three-week international break, but Sage does not want the pause to interrupt the team’s progress. He described the group as willing to compete, adapt and embrace a different approach to football, adding that the players’ enjoyment during training has helped them perform increasingly as a collective over the past three or four matches. The challenge now is to reproduce the improved defensive mindset consistently in every game.
