Manager was frustrated not to land defensive targets and lost last-day tug of war but can draw on positives as he seeks his first points

At least Pierre Sage did his research before joining Crystal Palace in June. Having stepped into Oliver Glasner’s shoes after the most successful era in the club’s history, it has not been the easiest transition for the engaging Frenchman following defeats against Everton and Manchester City to start the new campaign, and amid uncertainty surrounding the futures of some of the Conference League winners’ key players.

Ismaïla Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta ended up staying at Selhurst Park despite interest from Liverpool and Aston Villa respectively, while Palace brought in four new players after missing out to Sunderland for Malick Fofana in one of deadline day’s most dramatic storylines. But Sage is sanguine about experiencing a typically chaotic first transfer window in south London, and relieved to be able to concentrate on events on the pitch before Saturday’s trip to Fulham.

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