Crystal Palace gamble pays off as unlikely hero emerges vs Nottingham Forest

Pierre Sage will be thankful that pressure at Crystal Palace has eased following a 3-1 win against Nottingham Forest.

The French manager had been under pressure, following a tough start to the Premier League season that saw just one win in the opening five.

There was some growing concern over the manager's position, but Football Insider reported over the international break that no rash decision would be made.

However, when teams fail to pick up wins, that overarching pressure will continue to grow, no matter the assessment from those at board level.

A game against Nottingham Forest, and former Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner was the perfect chance to quiet those talks.

And the 47-year-old will have one player to thank after picking up that much-needed win.

Jefferson Lerma boosts Crystal Palace stock after Nottingham Forest masterclass

Jefferson Lerma is not a Crystal Palace regular by any measure.

In the first three games of the season, he was kept out of two matchday squads and was an unused substitute in the other.

However, he is clearly a player slowly beginning to impress Sage, and circumstances at Selhurst Park have continued to fall in his favour.

The Colombian's inclusion against Nottingham Forest was his first Premier League start of the season, and for a player who typically plays in midfield, he was asked to play at centre-back.

Palace were without the suspended Axel Disasi, the injured Chadi Riad and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Ahead of the game, and across his career, Lerma has played in that defensive role just 22 times in 494 games, as per Transfermarkt.

So, it was unfamiliar territory and frankly a gamble by Sage.

Lerma repaid the faith with a goal, but it was more than just that finish at the stroke of half-time that caught the eye.

Defensively, at the time of his substitution in the 72nd minute, no player had more defensive contributions than his 12, as per FotMob.

Additionally, he was a powerhouse in the air, winning three out of four of his aerial duels - a 75 per cent success rate.

There certainly would have been very few who expected Lerma to emerge as the hero on Sunday afternoon, but based on his showing, that is a position he has made his own.

And truthfully should not lose as things stand.

Where does this leave Axel Disasi?

Disasi will be back available for selection when Crystal Palace face Lyon in the Europa League on 15 October, and then Brighton on 18 October.

The Frenchman will be fearing for his place following Lerma's showing, but with two games in quick succession, there is certainly a chance he starts at least one.

The Eagles will not want to risk further injuries at the back following Riad's long-term blow, so rotation for Sage will be key.

Lerma is proving to be a proper option for the Frenchman to turn to now. Quite the unlikely turnaround, but one that is much welcomed.