Leeds United produced an uncharacteristically lethargic performance in their 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace at Elland Road on Sunday.
Daniel Farke’s side came into the game bouncing on the confidence of a win over Newcastle last week. But the performance was a far cry from what the fans saw in the 4-1 win.
Leeds lacked energy and momentum against a Palace side who had lost three of their opening four Premier League games, while conceding 11 goals in the process.
In fact, Pierre Sage was under real pressure ahead of the Leeds result, and there were question marks over whether he would survive a bad result at Elland Road.
Palace chairman Steve Parish has been considering sacking the Frenchman during the international break, but that may have changed.
Read More: Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage delivers bold verdict after Leeds draw: “We deserved better”
Crystal Palace make call on Pierre Sage’s immediate future
Sage needed a result on Sunday to have any chance of surviving at Palace, and the 0-0 draw at Elland Road may have bought him some more time.
According to The Daily Mail, Palace are now highly unlikely to make a change at the top during the international break.
The result at Elland Road impressed the board, as Palace looked far more solid in defence and still had chances to win at the other end.
A draw against Leeds has now earned Sage more time, and he is now expected to be in the dugout when Palace return to action after the international break.
The Frenchman took charge only in the summer and has managed just seven games at Palace so far. His team’s Premier League results are a concern for Palace.
However, the result at Leeds means that the club are not expected to wield the axe on the Frenchman this early in his reign at Selhurst Park.
Read More: Leeds United clash could spell the end for Pierre Sage at Crystal Palace
Managers are getting less and less time at Premier League clubs
Pressure is already building on a number of Premier League managers, despite the season being only a few games old, with speculation over potential sackings already starting ahead of the first international break.
Roberto De Zerbi is feeling the heat at Tottenham after Saturday’s home defeat to Aston Villa, while Michael Carrick could soon come under serious scrutiny at Manchester United.
Pierre Sage may have been the first manager to lose his job this season had Crystal Palace suffered defeat at Leeds. Instead, the 0-0 draw has at least given him some breathing room.
That said, it would be harsh to judge Sage so quickly. The Frenchman is still finding his feet in English football and deserves time to implement his ideas and get his team performing the way he wants.
Palace, however, cannot afford to ignore poor results indefinitely. With avoiding relegation likely to be the priority, the pressure will inevitably increase if the club’s difficult run continues, regardless of how early it is in the campaign.
