Not the best start for Pierre Sage, whose Crystal Palace tenure begins with defeat, the Eagles beaten 2-0 by Everton at the Hill Dickinson to kick off their Premier League campaign.
Oliver Glasner (who lost his Nottingham Forest debut against Leeds United) will be sorely missed, even if Palace kick on and impress under Sage’s wing this season. This is a transitional period for the south London club, and there is much to address before the summer transfer window slams shut in over a week.
It could have been so different. Everton survived a scare only minutes into the match, with Jean-Philippe Mateta unable to direct his header past Jordan Pickford. It was not the most convincing display from the French striker.
How Mateta performed at the Hill Dickinson
Mateta is an experienced Premier League striker, one of Crystal Palace’s most important pieces across the richest era in their history. But he came close to leaving for AC Milan in January, and though form was recovered over the closing weeks of the term, there’s a sense that his days at the club are numbered.
The likes of Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest have shown a vested interest this summer, and while Sage is determined not to cash in on the France international, he will need to produce far more convincing displays than this season-opening effort on Merseyside, blazing over the bar early on and then missing another great opportunity.
Jorgen Strand Larsen, club-record arrival from January, replacing him after 63 minutes, and he will surely fancy his chances of establishing himself as Sage’s first choice if Mateta fails to raise his game over the coming weeks – should he still be a Palace player when the window slams shut.
Mateta has cast a brooding cloud over his Palace career: he is threatening to take a case against the Eagles to FIFA, arguing that his contract, set to expire at the end of the season, is invalid. Clearly, he wants out.
Though Mateta’s case is shallow and easily countered, it speaks of a more pressing issue regarding his desires and want to explore a fresh challenge. If he fails to produce performances surpassing his recent one against Everton, what’s the point in persisting?
Chairman Steve Parish may be determined to keep onto Mateta, but sometimes, the right thing is to break apart – and he’s not the only mainstay in the squad who may need to move on.
Crystal Palace must instantly sell £25m star
Mateta has done a lot of good for Crystal Palace, but he is not invincible, and cashing in right now might be the right call.
And the same could be said for Daniel Munoz.
Munoz, 30, has been immense for Crystal Palace over the years, joining the club from Genk for £7m in January 2024. He is one of the most creative widemen in the Premier League, and last season, was described as “the best wing-back in the league”.
But he was probably the worst of a bad bunch as Sage’s side were defeated by Everton, and with the Blues among the clubs interested in striking a £25m deal before the end of summer, Parish and co may want to consider cashing in while they can still bank a pretty penny.
Munoz did not enjoy a good outing against the Toffees. It was he who conceded possession in the lead-up to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s opener, and he lacked any of the punch in attack that had served him so well across several seasons in Glasner’s system.
It’s no surprise he was replaced by Anan Khalaili before the hour mark. Signed from Union Saint-Gilloise for £21m one week ago, the 21-year-old is a talented right-sider, and he may be considered the perfect long-term Munoz replacement.
Daniel Munoz vs Everton | |
|---|---|
Match Stats | # |
Minutes played | 55′ |
Goals + Assists | 0 + 0 |
Touches | 48 |
Accurate passes | 25/31 (81%) |
Chances created | 0 |
Crosses completed | 0 |
Succ. dribbles | 0/0 |
Recoveries | 1 |
Def. contributions | 4 |
Duels won | 3/6 |
If Sage was hoping to keep onto the veteran, his opinion might have been changed by an air-headed display. Given that Palace have moved to strengthen their right side, it might be the right move to make.
Journalist Seb Martin even commented on the Colombian’s performance, noting he was “all over the place” as Everton secured the points. Like Mateta, Munoz has been a fantastic servant for Crystal Palace. Over the past few years, he has bagged three titles.
However, there is plenty of interest in his signature, and given that he is at his best when in a back five, perhaps the time is right for Palace to make the sale while they can still bank a buck or two.
