Crystal Palace earn bragging rights over Premier League rivals Brighton

First win in nine weeks, and what a way to do it against Premier League rivals, as Brighton lost at the Amex to Crystal Palace by one goal to nil.

A much-needed win in a tough run of form for Crystal Palace, as Ismaïla Sarr’s goal separated the sides and took the Eagles above the Seagulls in the table, with Palace also leapfrogging their rivals thanks to the three points collected in this away fixture.

Crystal Palace have faced difficult circumstances in recent weeks, but if any result could ignite a change in form, it would be this one. Palace looked far more physical and energetic as they broke Brighton down at the Amex. Brighton, meanwhile, have not enjoyed the most consistent season themselves, and their performance will not do them any favours.

Brighton dominated possession for the majority of the game but ultimately failed to make it count. Palace defended well, reducing Brighton to just two attempts on target. Brighton looked the better side in the first half, but only marginally so. Two headed attempts from captain Lewis Dunk caused some concern, while Maxim De Cuyper had one effort saved. Palace, on the other hand, were fairly passive in the first half and failed to create a clear-cut chance. They managed just two attempts on goal, with Adam Wharton firing a free kick from distance and Ismaïla Sarr failing to test Bart Verbruggen.

The second half saw a much improved performance from Crystal Palace. Although they continued to concede the majority of possession, they showed real efficiency when on the ball. Palace looked far more dangerous, creating more chances and showing shades of the in-form side previously seen under head coach Oliver Glasner.

Crystal Palace made it count in the 61st minute, as Ismaïla Sarr broke the deadlock following a turnover in possession around the halfway line, sparked by a determined effort from Daniel Muñoz to keep the ball in play. Aston Villa loanee Evan Guessand, minutes into his Crystal Palace debut, slipped Sarr through on goal. The Senegalese forward went one-on-one with the goalkeeper and struck the ball at Bart Verbruggen, who was unable to divert it away as it bounced into the back of the net.

New signing Jørgen Strand Larsen also made his debut for the Eagles but was unable to get on the scoresheet. He came close late on as a chance opened up for him in second-half stoppage time, but his effort was hit straight at Verbruggen, denying Larsen the perfect start to his Palace career.

Brighton and head coach Fabian Hürzeler will be disappointed with the result, and the performance mirrored their season so far — inconsistent and slightly lacklustre.

Nevertheless, Oliver Glasner’s side can build on this derby victory as they take all three points back to South London. Palace can remain calm for now after early whispers of a potential relegation fight had begun to surface. Could this be the change in fortune they so desperately needed?