Pierre Sage finally picked up his first Premier League victory with Crystal Palace last night. Winners at Fulham (1-0), the Eagles nevertheless delivered a performance which did not completely convince their French coach. After two defeats against Everton (0-2) and Manchester City (1-4), Sage especially wanted to see his team progress in content. “We didn’t play as we hoped. I am happy, but also disappointed for our opponents, because they created many chances… I am not satisfied with the way we defended, we have a lot of things to improve. But the confidence generated by this victory can help us for the future”he admitted on the BBC microphone. A cautious speech despite the three points, which allow Palace to exit the red zone.
Because if the result is necessarily good, the method still leaves some questions. Crystal Palace suffered the assaults of Fulham and remain on a run of nine league games with at least two goals conceded, taking into account the end of last season. The defensive fragility therefore does not date from the arrival of Sage, even if the French technician knows that he will have to quickly correct the situation.
