Sage's Palace rediscover their spark

Crystal Palace have shown signs of rediscovering their attacking spark under Pierre Sage, with their 3-1 comeback win over Nottingham Forest the latest example. The Eagles have now scored three or more goals in two of their last four league games — as often as they managed across their previous 37 Premier League matches combined.

Goals and entertaining football were a problem during Oliver Glasner's latter days in charge, as Palace struggled to balance their domestic and European commitments. There is an early sense of a throwback to the more free-scoring side that flourished under the Austrian in his first season, when their pace, movement and attacking combinations made them a threat to anyone.

It is still early in Sage's tenure, and two high-scoring performances do not guarantee a lasting change. But Palace look to be playing with greater freedom and confidence, with Daichi Kamada, Jefferson Lerma and Yeremy Pino all finding the net against Forest.

"If Sage can sustain that attacking momentum while tightening up a defence that has been vulnerable this season, there are encouraging signs of a more dangerous Palace taking shape," wrote William Bitibiri.