Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage says his porous side encountered 'a new problem' in yesterday's 3-2 home defeat to Ipswich Town.
The UEFA Conference League champions are going through a major transitional period, with Sage having stepped into the sizeable shoes of Oliver Glasner this summer.
Key defenders Maxence Lacroix and Daniel Munoz departed during the transfer window, while star attackers Jean-Phillipe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr are both currently injured after pushing for exits.
In yesterday's loss they equalised late on with 10 men only for Town sub Zian Flemming to bag a 90th minute winner. Palace have now conceded two or more goals in 10 consecutive Premier League games.
"We conceded with their [Ipswich’s] first opportunity and the red card meant I had to re-organise the team in a 3-5-1. At the end of the game we came back into it by playing together,” said Frenchman Sage.
"In the second half we came back with more possession. We created chances and had the ball and we got back to 2-2.
“We had the opportunity for the 3-2 but we missed it, and then at the end it’s really hard to concede in this manner. I’m frustrated for the players because they gave a lot on the pitch.”
Reflecting on his side having shipped 11 goals already, more than anyone else in the division, he added: “It’s too many goals conceded and I’m aware of that. Today we conceded less chances, but the opponent was very efficient.
“But we saw the same goal three times, a cross and then not winning the ball in our box.
“In the defensive unit I think we have made progress, but we have conceded too many crosses and are not winning the ball in the box, this is a new problem. It’s clear we have to be more efficient in that box.”
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