Crystal Palace to give Sage more time but manager under serious scrutiny

Crystal Palace have decided to give manager Pierre Sage more time after their 5-0 defeat by Brighton, but his position is under serious scrutiny. The loss equalled the club’s heaviest against their rivals, and Palace’s defensive problems have become a pressing concern.

Chair Steve Parish considered a change after the defeat but is understood to have held off because Palace sit 14th and are not in immediate danger. Sage is expected to lead the team against Besiktas on Thursday and Newcastle on Sunday; Palace have conceded 17 goals in seven Premier League matches, the most in the division. Kieran McKenna and Thomas Frank are among possible replacements, while injuries and Axel Disasi’s suspension are factors in Parish’s decision to give Sage a chance to turn things around.