Pierre Sage insists Crystal Palace 'deserved better' vs Liverpool as sack looms - 'They killed us'

Sage admitted Palace's mistakes cost them in a 3-1 loss to Liverpool and is expected to be sacked, becoming the Premier League's first managerial departure of the season.

Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage faced what appears to be his final press conference after a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool left the Eagles bottom of the Premier League table. Goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak secured victory for Liverpool, who moved into the top four.

Sage acknowledged his side's defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in transition play. "When we opened the space against this team with this speed, it was too difficult for us," he said. He insisted Palace "deserved better" but conceded that efficiency, not performance, determines results in football. The 47-year-old has won just two Premier League games in 16 matches in charge.

The Athletic reports Sage is set to be sacked following mounting pressure, making him the Premier League's first managerial casualty of the season. Palace sit bottom heading into the November international break.