Sage in or out

[Wilesy01]

As a Palace supporter of many years any win is great, as was last nights. But did last nights game tell us our defending is now a problem solved? Not according to stats and eyewitness . Did it improve Sages position ? Only if you ignore the fact that Fulham, just as Forest before should have scored three before we scored.
In this respect our defending doesn’t improve by much . It’s a critical view not a whine. Can Sage change things ? Doubtful.

I hear what you’re saying. Yes, we still give up chances to the opposition however at least last night the defence looked much more organised and there weren’t any massive errors. It’s a low bar but it’s progress nonetheless.

I’d also wade in and say over the 3 games played from Brighton to Newcastle virtually every chance we conceded ended up in the back of the net. That’s unfortunate by any measure and by contrast we missed some easy chances that could have impacted those games in our favour.

I’m not sold on Sage and I’ll give him the next few games to convince me the improved defence can sustain and that we become more clinical.

 

[est1905]

I hear what you’re saying. Yes, we still give up chances to the opposition however at least last night the defence looked much more organised and there weren’t any massive errors. It’s a low bar but it’s progress nonetheless.

I’d also wade in and say over the 3 games played from Brighton to Newcastle virtually every chance we conceded ended up in the back of the net. That’s unfortunate by any measure and by contrast we missed some easy chances that could have impacted those games in our favour.

I’m not sold on Sage and I’ll give him the next few games to convince me the improved defence can sustain and that we become more clinical.

This.
Its hard enough being a Palace fan without looking for things to be down about. We won, we kept a clean sheet, our defenders played better than in recent games, we saw some good individual performances.
Personally I cant see whats not to feel a bit upbeat about.

 

[park the bus]

The defence looked improved for 3 reasons - no Khalaili, no Disasi, no Canvot. All 3 have contributed to goals conceded through poor errors. Perhaps Sage has realised.

 

[mtp1958]

The defence looked improved for 3 reasons - no Khalaili, no Disasi, no Canvot. All 3 have contributed to goals conceded through poor errors. Perhaps Sage has realised.

But also midfield helped more

 

[est1905]

But also midfield helped more

Having a couple of tough tackling holders in front of them releived a lot of pressure. I have been saying for a while we have some really good defensive midfielders in our squad. Lerma, Doucoure, Hughes, Timber, even Kamada can play there. If the defence is struggling sit a couple in front of them. Probably as much as 50% of opposition attacks will be cut out before they reach our 18 yard box.
I dont think Mingueza got enough credit last night either. Really tightened up on the right.

 

[grumpymort]

But also midfield helped more

I agree it was the midfield which really helped.

Hendo
Lerma
Richards
Ahanor
Mitchell
Khalilia
Hughes
Wharton
Kamada
McNeil
Mateta (If Available)

Is who I would go with against Spurs but he wont.

Pino will start and Hughes will be dropped I expect Disasi will start as well.

Wharton doesn't really deserve to start even when he came on against Fulham he was very poor again but I do think I would rather see him start over 2 defensive midfielders.

 

[est1905]

I agree it was the midfield which really helped.

Hendo
Lerma
Richards
Ahanor
Mitchell
Khalilia
Hughes
Wharton
Kamada
McNeil
Mateta (If Available)

Is who I would go with against Spurs but he wont.

Pino will start and Hughes will be dropped I expect Disasi will start as well.

Wharton doesn't really deserve to start even when he came on against Fulham he was very poor again but I do think I would rather see him start over 2 defensive midfielders.

I'd stick with Mingueza over Kalaili. I like Kalaili for his attacking ability but we have got to solidify our back line. Having Hendo helps for his leadership as well as his saves.
I'd play Hughes and Doucoure first half then hook one of them at half time for a more attacking player (McNeil?) second half if the plan has worked up to this point.
We can beat Spuds. Their recent wins (in typical Spuds fashion) are grossly overhyped. Coventry were poor, Chelsea even worse. It wont be an easy game but we're capable of winning it if we play like we can.