Crystal Palace and Newcastle United meet in the Premier League as both clubs navigate turbulent starts to the season under managers appointed over the summer. Pierre Sage and Matthias Jaissle are facing crucial questions regarding form, results, and team performance as their respective sides look for a turnaround.
Are the teams underperforming?
Conceding 17 goals in seven Premier League matches represents a difficult beginning for Crystal Palace under Sage. Moving away from Oliver Glasner’s counterattacking 3-4-2-1 formation toward a more aggressive setup has exposed defensive vulnerabilities, highlighted by a heavy defeat against Brighton. Fans are looking nervously toward the relegation zone, and even early league victories over Fulham and Nottingham Forest carried nervy moments.
For Newcastle, significant squad turnover makes early assessment complex following the departures of Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon, and Bruno Guimarães in the summer. Eight new players arrived, featuring four teenagers and none older than 24, with Nico González the sole arrival possessing Premier League experience. A late managerial change and a shift in playing style three weeks before the season have made teething troubles almost inevitable.
How much pressure are the managers under?
Sage is under intense pressure at Selhurst Park, receiving warnings that results must improve immediately following the Brighton loss. Palace chair Steve Parish has yet to be fully convinced by the former Lens boss and has demanded defensive improvements. Following a midweek Europa League draw against Besiktas, Sunday’s fixture carries immense importance for his future, with Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna noted as potential successors, though compensation for McKenna at Ipswich could prove a hurdle.
Internally, pressure on Jaissle remains low, though the honeymoon period has ended externally. Newcastle paid £9.5m in compensation to Al-Ahli for the 38-year-old German, whose collaborative approach has impressed chief executive David Hopkinson and sporting director Ross Wilson. While club leadership anticipates a season of ups and downs and supports the manager through injuries and a lack of pre-season, owners crave a return to Europe, and supporters have questioned his tactical approach and team selections.
How much responsibility do the managers bear?
Sage bears a portion of the blame for Palace dropping below the standards of the Glasner era, having split up the midfield partnership of Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada following the deadline-day arrival of Quinten Timber. While Kamada has excelled further forward, Wharton has struggled defensively without his usual partner, though a return to the pairing that succeeded under Glasner remains an option.
At Newcastle, Jaissle’s preference for a 4-2-3-1 formation with a classic No 10 has left holding midfielder González frequently unsupported in the absence of a natural playmaker. With central defenders Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman struggling, a shift to a 3-5-2 system or a more cautious counterattacking approach could help cover defensive weaknesses. Although critics worry about his high-pressing philosophy, club insiders maintain that Newcastle’s successor to Eddie Howe will demonstrate tactical flexibility.
How much is beyond the manager’s control?
Sage faced a chaotic end to the transfer window that left his squad bloated yet short of defensive leadership following Maxence Lacroix’s departure to Chelsea. A three-match suspension for loanee Axel Disasi after a red card against Ipswich compounded those issues, while attackers Ismaïla Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta both made their summer exit desires clear. Parish and sporting director Matt Hobbs have faced scrutiny for failing to secure experienced defensive replacements.
Newcastle’s late summer arrivals meant Jaissle had limited influence over Wilson’s eight signings, with high-profile young additions like Aladji Bamba, Bazoumana Touré, and Matias Fernandez-Pardo requiring time to adjust. A youth-focused recruitment policy leaves the dressing room light on experience, while a lengthy injury list featuring Anthony Elanga, Tino Livramento, and Jacob Ramsey has further complicated matters.
How important is winning this game?
Following positive signs against Besiktas and a goal from Mateta on his first start since the opening weekend, securing three points is vital for Sage. However, Palace have not beaten Newcastle at home since November 2020, and Jaissle’s side enter the fixture with additional preparation time.
For Newcastle, sitting 11th in the table, victory is not strictly imperative after recent defeats against Coventry and Aston Villa, but a win would provide reassurance, boost player confidence, and ease external pressure surrounding the team’s tactical direction.
Are there any reasons for optimism?
Palace recorded a summer net spend profit of nearly £40m and are backed by wealthy American owners, though ongoing discussions regarding investment for a new main stand indicate financial developments remain a priority. Sage proved his capacity to construct a winning team at Lens and requires time to replicate that success in south London.
Newcastle boast exciting young talent, including 18-year-old midfielder Sean Steur and the development of England left-back Lewis Hall. Club insiders indicate that Jaissle is receptive to feedback and willing to make necessary tactical adjustments, while the squad retains dangerous attacking pace that offers constant potential.
Source: Football | The Guardian
