Crystal Palace have dismissed Pierre Sage after a run of four consecutive Premier League defeats left the club bottom of the table. The 5-0 loss to Brighton marked the start of the downturn that has seen Palace struggle for form under Sage, who arrived at Selhurst Park following Oliver Glasner’s departure.
Sage took over after an impressive season with Lens, guiding them to second place in Ligue 1. However, the expectations set by Glasner’s tenure, which included winning the FA Cup, Community Shield, and Conference League, have proven difficult to meet. Palace’s performances have slipped sharply, with their only Europa League win coming from the opening game and a recent stoppage-time equaliser against Hoffenheim barely rescuing a point.
The club’s decision to part ways with Sage came as no surprise given the lack of progress after 16 games. Palace’s struggles are reflected in the declining form of several key players, as shown by their WhoScored ratings compared to last season.
Goalkeeper Walter Benitez tops the list with a decrease from 7.20 to 6.40, although his sample from last season was limited to just one league appearance. Jean-Philippe Mateta has seen his rating drop from 6.67 to 6.03. Mateta was Palace’s top scorer under Glasner but remains goalless this season, hampered by a hamstring injury and a recent suspension following a red card against Spurs.
Ismaila Sarr’s rating fell from 6.64 to 6.00 after injuries limited him to two substitute appearances. Palace blocked his summer move to Liverpool, but his absence has been felt as he has struggled to regain form. Evann Guessand, on loan from Aston Villa, has dropped from 6.37 to 5.99, with only two substitute appearances and no goals since rejoining Palace.
Midfielder Will Hughes’s rating fell from 6.33 to 5.98. At 31, Hughes has only featured four times off the bench this season, playing an average of 10 minutes per game. Adam Wharton’s rating declined from 6.78 to 6.46. The 22-year-old missed out on England’s World Cup squad and now faces pressure to improve his performances.
Defender Jaydee Canvot, 20, has seen his rating dip from 6.59 to 6.34. With several senior defenders leaving recently, Canvot has become one of the more regular centre-backs but has yet to fully step up. Chris Richards, Palace’s only ever-present Premier League player this term, dropped from 6.88 to 6.70. Despite being part of heavy defeats, Richards remains Palace’s fourth highest-rated player.
Chadi Riad’s rating fell from 6.40 to 6.25. Injuries, including an ACL, have limited the defender to just one league appearance under Sage. Forward Eddie Nketiah’s rating slipped slightly from 6.32 to 6.18. He has scored once and started more league games than last year but has not matched his previous goal tally, frustrating fans.
Palace’s slump under Sage has left the club searching for a new direction after a promising start to the season quickly unraveled. The search for a replacement manager is now underway, with the club aiming to halt their slide before the Premier League season advances further.
According to Planet Football.
