How can Palace avoid a relegation battle?published at 16:46 BST
16:46 BST
Image source, Getty Images
After Sunday's heavy defeat by Brighton, Crystal Palace fan Ollie Thomas says a change in formation should be the first priority to turn the club's fortunes around this season.
"Unless we can fix the defensive issues, I think we'll be in a relegation battle," he said.
"An easy start, for me, is to ditch the three at the back and go three in midfield to shore that up.
"Our back five is undercooked and the recruitment in the summer wasn't good enough. They are so exposed. Why we are exposing our weakest part of the pitch in every single game is totally beyond me."
Do you agree that the formation is the team's biggest issue, or does something else need to change?
Kevin: Watching the game at home with my son, Josh, who commented, "blimey, it's like watching Barcelona". Summed it up rather well, I thought!
Alexander: What a time to be a Brighton fan. I'm one of only about 30 fans in our Scandinavian Brighton group on Facebook, but we are all ecstatic about this win. Surely only a matter of time until the continued success we are seeing will help grow the fanbase across Europe.
Mike: Electric. They chased down every ball - just like they did against Arsenal. A pure team performance.
Steve: Early days, but Fabian Hurzeler has the magic touch that the players are buying into. People are saying our squad depth will be a problem with Europe as well, but if he rotates properly and keeps everyone happy, this could be a defining season for Brighton. Hurzeler has his head screwed on. He won't be tempted by Manchester United yet, not while he's building something so special at Brighton. Tony Bloom recruits the right players, under the right manager, who plays the right system. Round pegs in round holes. It's brilliant and simple. Data analysis at its best.
Crystal Palace fans
Darren: The chickens have definitely come home to roost. Too many games, too many chances given to the opposition. We lack any defensive shape, and I'm sorry, but that's poor coaching. Pierre Sage needs to sort it out - quickly!
Ray: I feared we would be candidates for relegation right at the start of the season. Bad attitude in the camp where everyone half decent has been looking for a move away.
Terry: Sage needs more time, but Sunday and midweek is exactly why you cannot sell your two best centre-backs and not replace them with any experience or quality when you play a back three.
Adrian: Proper shocking. Sage has to change tactics and formation. We always give up an early chance. The defence is disorganised and the midfield needs help. We need leaders to grit their teeth and get about the opposition, and soon.
Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage said he felt "shame" about his side's performance during their 5-0 thrashing by Brighton - and he did not know whether he would be given time to save his job.
The Eagles conceded three times in the opening 10 minutes as they suffered their worst loss to their rivals since January 1956.
"It is my fault because I am the coach," said the Frenchman. "I give the motivation. I prepare the situations. We played so bad, it is my fault.
"It is difficult to summarise because there are a lot of negative points.
"But I prepare the team, so that's why I am responsible for what's happened on the pitch. I have a lot of work to do because I have to change this kind of thing."
When asked if he will get time to turn Crystal Palace's poor form around, he replied: "I don't know."
Sage has had a tough start at Selhurst Park, after guiding Lens to the French Cup and second in Ligue 1 last season.
The Eagles are 14th in the Premier League, with two wins from seven games, but their 17 goals conceded is the most in the top flight.
"I just want to apologise to the fans," Sage added. "We weren't at the level we expected and I'm really sorry for that because I know how important it is for them."
Brighton 5-0 Crystal Palace: What Sage saidpublished at 17:32 BST 18 October
17:32 BST 18 October
Media caption,
Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage told BBC Sport: "Only one feeling - shame. When you play this kind of game you have to show another face. It was our worst face.
"We cannot accept that, especially at the beginning of the game. We didn't fight at this moment. Once it was 3-0 after nine minutes, the game is really different.
"Especially in the way we don't understand in which context we were. In this kind of game you need different ingredients. It's my fault because I am the coach, I gave the angle to the players. I gave the motivation. I prepare the situations. We played so badly. It's my fault.
"I don't want to speak really individually or thinking about details. I have to analyse what's happened to take a decision.
"At this moment, once the score is [large difference], it's easier to play. It's about bravery. We have to deal with these things from the beginning of the game."
On his message to the fans: "I'm really sorry because we didn't give them what they deserved. I apologise because we are not Palace today."
Did you know?
Crystal Palace have conceded 17 goals across their opening seven Premier League matches, with the Eagles last conceding more at this stage of a season in the top four tiers in 1980-81 (21).
This was Fabian Hürzeler's very first victory over Crystal Palace (5th meeting), with Leicester City the only one of 29 opponents that he has failed to beat across all competitions as Brighton and Hove Albion manager (P2 D2).
Woeful showing from defensively poor Eaglespublished at 16:18 BST 18 October
16:18 BST 18 October
Michael Emons BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
The five goals conceded mean Crystal Palace have the worst defensive record in the Premier League, with 17 goals against from only seven matches.
A poor first half cost them on Thursday when they lost 3-2 in France against Lyon in France in the Europa League having gone 2-0 behind in the first half.
But manager Pierre Sage could not have expected his side to capitulate so tamely in one of the most important matches of the season for their supporters.
It was a tough afternoon for the Palace defence, with 18-year-old central defender Honest Ahanor, on loan from Atalanta, substituted after 53 minutes on his second Premier League start.
One bright point was the return of France striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, making his first appearance of the campaign since getting injured on the opening weekend in the 2-0 loss at Everton.
Captain Adam Wharton summed up the feelings in the Palace camp when he said: "We couldn't have started any worse. Nowhere near good enough from every single one of us, from start to the end of the game.
"We've had a couple of slow starts and we're not intentionally doing that and we have to sort it out."
Both Brighton and Palace are back in European action on Thursday. Brighton are in the Czech Republic against Jablonec in the Conference League, while the Eagles will be looking to quickly move on from this dreadful display, but face a tough-looking trip to Turkey to take on Besiktas in the Europa League.
Sage only came to the Eagles in the summer, replacing the departing Oliver Glasner, but will be facing huge pressure if Palace cannot quickly improve on a woeful day for the club and its fans.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Nottingham Forest v Arsenal" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Brighton match", for example.
New this season: Live match updates
Fans of Premier League clubs can now get real-time scores live on their phone lock screen for every game.
Simply follow your favourite football teams on the BBC Sport app for updates throughout the 2026-27 season.
I don't see the Eagles getting anything here, though, because Brighton are absolutely flying at the moment.
The Seagulls showed great resilience to hold on at 1-0 with 10 men in their win against Sunderland last week and ended up scoring a second goal right at the end too.
Again, both teams play in Europe on Thursday so they will have to find the right balance with their team selections - but I don't see it affecting Brighton any more than it will Palace.
Brighton v Crystal Palace: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 13:26 BST 17 October
13:26 BST 17 October
Tom McCoy BBC Sport journalist
BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Sunday's match (14:00 BST), as Brighton host Crystal Palace seeking a record-equalling fourth consecutive Premier League win.
Seagulls soaring on all fronts
There is simply no stopping Brighton right now. Thursday's 4-0 win over Lithuanian side Kauno Zalgiris was their fifth consecutive victory, with the Seagulls scoring 17 goals and conceding just two during that run.
Not even a controversial red card for defender Pascal Struijk, subsequently rescinded, could derail them at Sunderland last weekend. Albion played the final half-hour on Wearside with 10 men but still secured a 2-0 victory, sealed by Jaouen Hadjam's stoppage-time strike.
They are now on the cusp of equalling a club record by winning four consecutive Premier League games and can do so without conceding a goal for the first time.
Third-placed Brighton have made a habit of starting strongly in recent years. This is the fourth time in six seasons they have collected at least 13 points at this stage of a campaign, with only Arsenal and Manchester City having done so more often.
The challenge for boss Fabian Hurzeler is to maintain that momentum while managing the additional demands of the Conference League. It may help that opponents Crystal Palace were also in European action on Thursday and, unlike the Seagulls, played away.
Squad depth could prove crucial in the coming months, and Jack Hinshelwood's midweek return from injury, coupled with Georginio Rutter's brace, provided an encouraging reminder of the resources at Hurzeler's disposal.
Defensive issues persist for Palace
Crystal Palace claimed their first Premier League home win under Pierre Sage last weekend and are now seeking back-to-back top-flight victories for the first time since December 2025.
The Eagles rode their luck against Nottingham Forest, allowing their opponents eight opportunities that Opta defines as "big chances". It was only the second time in 13 years that a Premier League side had conceded so many clear-cut openings and still won.
Sage acknowledged that goalkeeper Walter Benitez had kept Palace in the game with several important saves. "I have to congratulate him because when you play as number two, it's always difficult," he said.
The Argentine, who is deputising for the injured Dean Henderson, could not prevent his side from losing 3-2 to Lyon on Thursday and is likely to be kept busy again at Amex Stadium.
Palace have faced 108 shots with a combined expected goals value of 12.8, both Premier League highs after six matches.
Sage on Henderson fitness, Lyon defeat and Brighton rivalrypublished at 16:06 BST 16 October
16:06 BST 16 October
Josh Lobley BBC Sport journalist
Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Brighton at Amex Stadium (kick-off 14:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Sage "doesn't know" if Dean Henderson is available to play and will decide after training later on Friday.
When asked if Jean-Philippe Mateta, Ben Chilwell or Takehiro Tomiyasu have a chance to return, the Palace boss responded: "Potentially. I said the same thing one or two games ago and it wasn't the case. I prefer to wait. At the moment, we hope, we expect, but we don't know."
On Thursday's Europa League defeat by Lyon: "The bad result was a consequence of the first half. We didn't play and gave all the initiative to Lyon. I was frustrated because we reacted positively [in the second half] but too late."
On the rivalry between Palace and Brighton: "I know the fans don't like this name [the M23 derby] because it is too far to name it this. We know it is a big game for the club and the fans, and we have to show our better phases, like the second halves of our last two games."
He added: "On the first day I came here, the first thing they told me was that. In the last few days I've read a lot of articles about the rivalry to understand why. When you have something special, you have to do a special game."
When asked if the Eagles are being left out of the 'Bermuda triangle' name given to Brighton, Brentford and Bournemouth: "We don't have to analyse that now, we don't speak about that. The club won titles with this strategy and we have to be confident in the board and how they choose and keep players. It's our identity."
Comparing Ligue 1 and the Premier League, Sage said England's "average level is higher" and "every game is difficult."
'Consistency is an issue and defensive frailties continue'published at 07:55 BST 16 October
07:55 BST 16 October
We asked for your thoughts after Thursday's Europa League game between Lyon and Crystal Palace.
Here are some of your comments:
Garry: As has been the case all season, our defending is really poor, individually and as a team. The flip side is we are quite good offensively at times, so we can stay in games, but unless a change of tactics happens, we are going to have to outscore teams to win. I don't think the Pierre Sage ball will work, and we will lose many more than we win. Difficult and frustrating season ahead and serious jeopardy involved.
Al: Another game of two different halves. Poor first half and again conceding an early goal, which is becoming a bad habit. Consistency is an issue and defensive frailties continue.
James: Lacking leadership at the back, it's as simple as that. We need Dean Henderson back, and to prioritise an experienced centre-back in January. We showed great spirit to pull two back and it probably should have been a draw, with the chances (and the not-given penalty) at the end.
Image source, Getty Images
Steve: If only Palace started the first half like the second. A much better display deserved a point at the very least. Palace always looks like conceding whenever the opposition attacks. Too much space behind the wing-backs. A back three that makes too many mistakes, and lacks pace. Sage must sort out these deficiencies sooner rather than later.
Fred: Something has to give with these defenders because, at the moment, it's comical at times. However, there are definitely green shoots and hopefully it will click at both ends of the pitch soon. I'm just worried Sage won't be given enough time. That said, we didn't embarrass ourselves, gave it a really good go, and I'm proud of them.
Dave: Palace started poorly but grew into the game. I think we deserved a point at the end. But the referee has played a big part in our downfall. So many poor decisions throughout the game.
Lyon 3-2 Crystal Palace: What Sage saidpublished at 21:54 BST 15 October
21:54 BST 15 October
Image source, Getty Images
Pierre Sage spoke to Uefa after Crystal Palace's defeat against Lyon: "It's a very disappointing return because we lost. I can't take satisfaction from coming back home or seeing familiar faces when the result isn't there.
"The scoreline may have been close, but there was a big difference in the way the two teams played.
"We improved considerably after the break and gave ourselves a chance, but conceding that third goal made things difficult.
"I think our second-half efforts deserved an equaliser, although winning would have been a generous reward given that we only really played (to our level) for one half."
Did you know?
Since the start of last season, only Chelsea, among Premier League sides, have conceded more goals from corners in all competitions (19) than Crystal Palace (16, level with West Ham).
Analysis: Poor first half costs Sage on his return to former clubpublished at 20:06 BST 15 October
20:06 BST 15 October
Michael Emons BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Pierre Sage was manager of Lyon from November 2023 to January 2025, having previously been a coach at the club.
Crystal Palace were backed by 3,000 fans in Lyon, but, despite an improved performance in the second half, left empty handed in the club's first ever away Europa League tie.
The Eagles nearly snatched a draw in the 90th minute but Chris Richards' header following Wharton's corner was well saved by home goalkeeper Dominik Greif and will be feeling they should have gained at least a draw in France.
This match was one of the stand-out ties for the Eagles supporters when the draw was made. After the club won the FA Cup for the first time in 2025, that achievement should have earned Palace a place in the 2025-26 Europa League.
However, the Eagles were demoted to the third-tier Conference League because then co-owner John Textor was also the majority owner of Lyon.
The American sold his share in Palace and left his leadership role with Lyon that summer. But European football's governing body Uefa said Lyon, as they had finished higher in their domestic league, would stay in the Europa League, with Palace dropping to the Conference League.
Palace then won the Conference League to earn their spot back in the Europa League for 2026-27.
Pierre Sage managed at Lyon for 14 months but his current Palace side were left rueing a slow start as they offered little as an attacking force in the opening half, with the hosts looking comfortable at 2-0.
Palace were the better side after the break and got one back through Yeremy Pino and had chances to make it 2-2.
Lyon's third goal then came against the run of play and although Daichi Kamada scored soon after to set up a thrilling finish, it was not enough.
The Eagles play at rivals Brighton on Sunday before returning to Europa League action when they travel to Turkey to face Besiktas next Thursday.
Follow Thursday's European games livepublished at 16:52 BST 15 October
16:52 BST 15 October
There are 18 games in both the Europa League and the Conference League on Thursday - with Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Sunderland involved in the former, and Brighton the latter - and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.
Sage on injuries, away support and returning to Lyonpublished at 21:10 BST 14 October
21:10 BST 14 October
Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage has been speaking to the media before Thursday's Europa League game against Lyon at Groupama Stadium (kick-off 17:45 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Jean-Philippe Mateta, Dean Henderson, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben Chilwell will not be involved in Thursday's match.
On the travelling support: "I know there will be 3,000 and we are really happy and proud that they can share this moment. The result is something but they don't choose to come for the result, they come to be with us and that is really good."
On returning to Lyon: "I still feel part of Lyon somehow. I still have a house here so it's a special moment."
Sage says his former side have "a lot of density in midfield," and they "love to attack," adding: "Lyon have made a few changes from last season. They are a really strong side. There were a few changes in the summer that were logical in terms of how they want to build this team."
When asked if the preparation for the match changes against a familiar club: "I cannot claim to know everything about the club and the Palace players don't' know everything about the club. So we need to educate them, tell them how to play against a certain position. There will be emotion in the air – but the important thing is it's a football game and we need a good performance."
Momentous win but defence frailties persistpublished at 12:55 BST 14 October
12:55 BST 14 October
Media caption,
Fan and content creator Ollie Thomas reviewed Crystal Palace's performance against Nottingham Forest before previewing their Thursday evening tie against Ligue One opponent's Lyon (17:45 BST).
"Four games that could define our season, and we won, which is more than what I thought we would do!
"Yes, we obviously got quite lucky, but our games are taking a weird form at the moment.
"We conceded a hatful of chances, and we looked really weak defensively, but we then scored three goals and won. And I can live with that!
"There is a big three games left. Lyon on Thursday night, that is the kind of game when you look at where we have come from... Lyon away. That was a bona fide Champions League team when I was growing up!
"I think the Nottingham Forest game is a big way to start those four games. First of all, it gives us breathing room going into the Brighton game, which is going to be a tough game.
"It is nice to go into that game not needing a result because, ultimately, on the balance of the Premier League right now, we are underdogs for that game.
"Second of all, it gives the players confidence winning that game. Four points from Leeds away and Forest at home is really good. Third of all it is good for Pierre Sage and the PR of the team. Beating Oliver Glasner does win fans over.
"That is our greatest ever manager, and we have just beaten him 3-1. The football we're playing is really exciting, but the backline is still a massive issue.
"I don't really know what the solution is. What we do with this defence is still a bit of a mystery to me.
"For me, Jaydee Canvot has to play as the left centre-back and I think he is our best centre-back, and he is one of our most valuable assets."
How much did Man City's rule breaking cost your team?published at 12:14 BST 13 October
12:14 BST 13 October
Dale Johnson Football issues correspondent
Imagine a world where Manchester City had not used "sham contracts" to build a team capable of winning three Premier League titles, one FA Cup and three EFL Cups.
If City were the winners, then there had to be losers - and not just those teams who finished runners-up or lost cup finals.
The potential impact runs much deeper and includes missed Champions League qualification, relegation and Premier League prize money.
Thirty-five other teams played in the English top flight between 2009 and 2018.
And every one could in some way claim to have been left financially out of pocket.
Image source, Getty Images
