Premier League boss already doomed as clear verdict given on first manager to be sacked

 Seven games into the Premier League season, the sound of axes being sharpened is getting louder. From a derby demolitions to stays of executions, the weekend saw plenty of managers' futures come into focus.

There were grumblings at Everton on Saturday as David Moyes' men suffered a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, before boos up at Newcastle in the late kick-off. In contrast, Alvaro Arbeloa breathed a sigh of relief as he got his first win as Fulham boss.

On Sunday, Pierre Sage had a nightmare experience in his first M23 derby, as his Crystal Palace side were stuffed 5-0 by rivals Brighton. At the same time, Manchester United's draw away to Leeds eased the pressure on Michael Carrick - at least for a few days.

History tells us that when the clocks go back, the first sacking is never far away. We asked the Mirror Football team who'll be the first Premier League manager to get the chop?

John Cross

Pierre Sage

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.

It is a shame because it is so early in the season - just seven games into the league campaign - and it was undoubtedly a tricky summer with a lot of change at Selhurst Park. But you cannot lose 5-0 to your bitter rivals, and that humiliation at Brighton may ultimately go a long way to sealing his fate.

They have conceded 17 goals which is the most of any team in the Premier League. Palace chairman Steve Parish runs a very good football club and has established them as a mainstay of the Premier League, which is no mean feat considering the mess he inherited.

And he rarely puts a foot wrong. But Sage does not feel as if it is working. The league position isn't actually that bad - but the performances have been seriously lacking.

Sadly, you would have to argue they have been very uninspiring and that is a reflection of the manager. I think Palace are weighing it up and, while a change may not be immediate, Sage is undoubtedly fighting to save his job at this point.

James Whaling

Alvaro Arbeloa

Arbeloa finally got off the mark for Fulham at the weekend - but it's unlikely to keep the vultures at bay 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.

Despite a short time as boss of Real Madrid, Arbeloa has no experience of managing in the Premier League and it has shown. They have already suffered defeats to Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Ipswich. Unless the 1-0 win over Hull triggers a change of fortunes, I can't see Arbeloa lasting too much longer.