Palace win at Fulham eases pressure on Sage amid Frank reports

Crystal Palace's win over Fulham at Craven Cottage has bought Pierre Sage some breathing space, even as reports continue to link Thomas Frank with his job at Selhurst Park.

Palace won at Craven Cottage for a fifth time in the past 18 months, Guardian Football reported, securing a third consecutive quarter-final appearance in the competition.

Fulham had not beaten Palace on their own ground since January 2005, a run of ten matches, and Álvaro Arbeloa's side could not end it despite Sage making ten changes to his starting line-up. Dean Henderson, recalled as captain in goal, produced a crucial stoppage-time save to deny Gonzalo García, and Fulham's supporters booed their own team at the final whistle.

The result amounted to a disappointing setback for Arbeloa after a couple of weeks of progress. Arsenal, who beat Palace in the equivalent fixture in each of the previous two seasons, have already been eliminated from this season's competition, while Sage knows Saturday's Premier League meeting with Tottenham carries far more weight for his position than the cup win, with the competition not resuming until mid-December.

Palace are also assessing potential changes in the dugout. Yahoo Sports reports that the club are considering former Tottenham and Brentford manager Thomas Frank as a possible replacement for Sage, with recent results having increased the pressure on the Frenchman. Citing Football Insider, Yahoo Sports says Frank remains highly regarded by influential figures at Selhurst Park, and that his Premier League experience could make him an appealing option if Palace decide to change manager.

Frank has been out of work since leaving Tottenham in February. He guided Brentford into the Premier League and helped establish them as competitive top-flight opposition despite limited resources, achievements that continue to earn him admirers, though his spell at Tottenham is reportedly seen as a concern by Palace decision-makers weighing up the move.

Sean Dyche and Rob Edwards have also emerged as potential candidates, Yahoo Sports reports, while Frank - who was considered by Palace before Sage's appointment - is said to be keen to return to Premier League management when the right opportunity arises.

Sky Sports Football reports that amid the uncertainty, Sage has spoken about using the difficult period to develop as a coach and build unity within his squad, including seeking ideas from Roberto De Zerbi.

Palace's immediate focus now turns to Saturday's Premier League fixture against Tottenham, a game Sage knows will do more to shape his immediate future than the midweek win in west London.