Pierre Sage may have two matches to save his status as Crystal Palace manager as we welcome Hoffenheim and Liverpool this week in the Europa League and Premier League respectively.
However, this is exactly what we were saying this time last week as we headed into clashes against Fulham in the Carabao Cup and, of course, our defeat away at Tottenham.
Although that fixture against the North Londoners ended in defeat on Saturday, it would be fair to say that the circumstances were somewhat out of the Frenchman’s control. The red card shown to Jean-Philippe Mateta in the 13th minute cruelly ruined any realistic chance Palace had of taking anything from what already looked a difficult game on paper. Palace had actually started impressively, competing well and keeping possession during the opening 10 minutes, just as they had in certain periods of the hard-fought victory over Fulham in the cup.
Speaking of that win, it was the perfect example of how Sage can defy his critics and set his team up to be defensively solid. That victory, combined with the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the Tottenham defeat, has probably given Sage a momentary reprieve. However, over the next few matches, he needs to rediscover the tactical resilience demonstrated against Fulham in particular.
There are also lessons to be learned from the return of experienced players to the starting XI. Dean Henderson’s return was an obvious boost and he impressed at Craven Cottage. He claimed crosses confidently and made key saves, particularly from Antonee Robinson in the first half and Alex Iwobi in the second. Although Walter Benítez is rightly regarded as a strong backup goalkeeper, the experience and leadership that Henderson brings cannot be matched.
Personally, I have never liked the concept of a goalkeeper serving as captain and, to a certain extent, that view remains unchanged, even if Henderson has challenged it. It is difficult for the England international to dictate proceedings from inside his own penalty area, yet he does a superb job of organising his defence in a way that few players in his position can achieve. Henderson was also helped by some players who have become part of the furniture at Palace in recent years, and their experience and know-how is something this current squad desperately needs.
Will Hughes and Jefferson Lerma certainly fit that description. Hughes provided assurance in midfield and performed the basics superbly well. When the game required Palace to slow the tempo, Hughes was able to do so while also making the necessary fouls and breaking up play in a way that few players can. He is a master of the dark arts, if you will. As a result, I would argue that Hughes deserves a more regular role in the team, as his influence in front of the back three provided greater protection and balance, allowing the trio of Lerma, Honest Ahanor and Chris Richards to look secure.
That defensive unit certainly looked comfortable together, and Lerma was a key reason why. Since joining the club in 2023, he has consistently proven reliable and is always willing to embrace the battle, regardless of the opposition or competition. Like Hughes, he understands the more physical side of the game, and this Palace side could benefit from that edge. Too often this season, the Eagles have displayed weak defending and a naivety that has gifted opportunities to opponents. With players such as Lerma and Hughes in the side, it feels as though that soft underbelly could gradually disappear, especially with Henderson behind them.
Given the quality in the squad, neither player should necessarily be expected to start every game. However, appearances from the bench when matches are finely balanced should become a far more regular occurrence.
Ben Chilwell also started against Fulham and, although he should not be ahead of Tyrick Mitchell in the pecking order, his involvement now that he has returned to fitness should increase. Quite simply, the experience these players offer is needed for a team that has looked vulnerable far too often this campaign. Palace looked defensively secure in West London and also defended admirably with 10 men for large parts of the defeat against Spurs. The question now is one that has repeatedly been asked throughout the season: who should start in the back three in the next fixture?
At Craven Cottage, Lerma looked assured, while Chris Richards produced arguably his strongest performance of the season and deservedly received the Man of the Match award. The pair were joined by Ahanor, the young Chelsea loanee, who likewise delivered his best performance in a Palace shirt and has impressed throughout the League Cup, following his excellent display against Middlesbrough in the previous round.
The Italian was unfortunately placed directly in the firing line during the 5-0 defeat to Brighton and was perhaps thrown to the wolves too early in his fledgling career. He can continue to develop through selective appearances in European and cup ties, but for now more experience may be required alongside Richards and Lerma. Unfortunately, the latter is ineligible to play in Europe, which still strikes me as a very strange decision.
Axel Disasi’s form has been inconsistent, yet I still believe he can provide solidity and should partner Lerma and Richards over the next couple of games if I were in charge, even if Jaydee Canvot would be a more natural fit on the left-hand side of the three. I am a huge admirer of Canvot and believe he has tremendous potential, as he demonstrated during last season’s Conference League run. However, his form has dipped slightly at the start of this campaign and a brief spell out of the side could ultimately benefit him.
Either way, the defensive performances against Fulham and Tottenham represented progress, and now it is time for Sage and his players to demonstrate that they can replicate that level against Hoffenheim and Liverpool this week.
The visit of the German side, which is unusually scheduled for 5:45pm on Thursday, presents Palace with an opportunity to make it seven points from a possible 12 in their Europa League campaign. Hoffenheim currently sit 12th in the Bundesliga and 23rd in the league phase standings of Europe’s secondary club competition. A home fixture therefore provides an excellent opportunity to build on some encouraging continental performances and could hand Sage a much-needed victory at Selhurst Park.
However, if Palace’s European adventure has taught us anything so far, it is that there are no easy matches. Sage and his players must avoid taking anything for granted and learn lessons from encounters with the likes of AEK Larnaca, Fredrikstad and Zrinjski Mostar last year.
Liverpool, of course, are a different prospect altogether. Although Andoni Iraola is still dealing with injury concerns and continues to fine-tune his side tactically, Liverpool remain a formidable attacking force spearheaded by Alexander Isak, who famously enjoyed scoring against Palace during his time at Newcastle United.
Palace will want to recreate the magic of last season, when Eddie Nketiah scored a dramatic late winner to secure a 2-1 victory over Arne Slot’s champions. Can the team combine the defensive discipline displayed against Fulham with the attacking quality shown in victories over Lech Poznań and Middlesbrough?
The Eagles have demonstrated on several occasions that they can be a free-flowing attacking side while remaining vulnerable defensively. Equally, there have been matches in which they have looked solid at the back but lacked fluency going forward. It is about time Palace found the right balance between the two, and if they can, it may be enough for Sage to buy himself some time and silence the doubters.
