Pierre Sage is the most likely Premier League manager to be sacked first this season, according to Mirror Football's team of experts, following Crystal Palace's 5-0 defeat to Brighton in the M23 derby on Sunday.
The Frenchman is under serious pressure at Selhurst Park, with the Eagles having conceded 17 goals – the most of any team in the Premier League – after seven rounds of fixtures.
Sage's Position Worsens After Derby Humiliation
John Cross, one of the Mirror Football writers, said: "Sage is in serious danger as Crystal Palace boss. And I think the Frenchman is most likely to be the first Premier League manager to lose his job."
Cross noted that while it is early in the season and there was significant change at Selhurst Park over the summer, the 5-0 loss to bitter rivals Brighton could seal Sage's fate. "You cannot lose 5-0 to your bitter rivals, and that humiliation at Brighton may ultimately go a long way to sealing his fate," he added.
Arbeloa and Jaissle Also in the Firing Line
Fulham's Alvaro Arbeloa finally secured his first win as boss with a 1-0 victory over Hull, but James Whaling believes it is unlikely to keep the pressure off for long. "The Cottagers always looked like they could be in for a season of struggle after a chaotic summer, and the opening weeks have done little to dim that view," Whaling wrote, noting defeats to Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Ipswich.
Matthias Jaissle of Newcastle is another candidate, according to Nathan Ridley, who pointed to the boos at St James' Park after a limp 1-0 loss to Aston Villa. "I can see them pulling the trigger early on the 38-year-old, whom the fanbase is yet to agree on," Ridley said.
Matty Hewitt echoed the view on Sage, saying: "I think Sage is the first manager likely to be sacked this season and he's under real pressure to deliver results. The humiliation against arch-rivals Brighton at the weekend was disastrous."
Scott Trotter added that Sage's strained relationship with decision-makers makes him the most vulnerable boss, while Roberto De Zerbi's position at Tottenham could come under scrutiny if they fail to beat Coventry City on Monday evening.
