Crystal Palace found its breath before a French return for Pierre Sage, overturning an early setback to beat Nottingham Forest 3-1 and ease the pressure around the former Lyon coach.
Palace had endured a bleak opening to the Premier League’s sixth round. Anan Khalaili’s mistake while playing out from the back allowed Dan Ndoye to put Forest ahead in the third minute, and Sage’s side struggled to gain a foothold for much of the first half.
Forest had opportunities to make their control count. Walter Benitez produced key saves for Palace, while Liam Delap missed a major chance with the goal open in the 35th minute. Those moments proved costly as the match swung sharply before the interval.
Palace turn the match around before the break
Daichi Kamada completed a fine team move to level the score in the 41st minute. Palace then struck again in first-half stoppage time, Jefferson Lerma scoring in the fourth added minute to send the hosts into the dressing room ahead.
The turnaround was completed in the 59th minute when Yeremy Pino added a third goal. Palace then handled Forest’s late possession spells without allowing the visitors back into the contest.
The closing stages also carried an edge in the stands, with Palace supporters directing chants at Oliver Glasner, their former manager.
Sage prepares for Lyon trip
The result offers Sage valuable breathing room ahead of a demanding few days. Crystal Palace travel to Lyon on Thursday in the Europa League before facing Brighton away in the Premier League on Sunday.
For Sage, the visit to Lyon will bring him back to a club he previously managed, but Palace arrive with momentum restored after a difficult start against Forest.
Everton let top-four chance slip
Elsewhere, Everton were held to a 2-2 draw at Hull after failing to protect a lead. The Toffees had recovered from an opening deficit and moved in front, only for Mohamed Belloumi to equalise in the 74th minute.
The dropped points denied Everton the chance to move into the top four.
