Palace Defeats Brighton 1-0, ends 12-game winless streak

Crystal Palace finally breathed again on Sunday afternoon, grinding out a tense 1-0 win away at Brighton to snap a miserable 12-match run without victory in all competitions.

Ismaila Sarr was the difference at the Amex Stadium, scoring just after the hour to seal Palace’s first win since December and lift them to 13th on the Premier League table, one point above their south coast rivals. For Brighton, the result deepened a worrying slide that has seen them win just twice in their last 12 league matches, with boos ringing around the stadium at full-time.

The Eagles handed debuts to club-record signing Jorgen Strand Larsen and teenage midfielder Harry Howell, while Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler faced angry chants from supporters frustrated by another flat display.

Sarr delivers when Palace need it most

The opening half offered little in quality, with Palace’s best moment coming late on when Sarr dragged a shot wide after being slipped in by Daniel Muñoz. Brighton had more possession but struggled to carve out clear chances against a disciplined Palace back line.

Also read: ‘I miss the Premier League’ — Pochettino reveals ambition to return and chase major titles

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 61st minute, and it came through Palace’s most dangerous outlet. Substitute Evann Guessand pounced on a poor clearance from Lewis Dunk and slid a neat pass into Sarr’s path, allowing the Senegalese winger to finish calmly beyond Bart Verbruggen for his second goal against Brighton in as many seasons.

Brighton pressure falls short as Palace hold firm

Brighton pushed forward in search of a response, but Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson produced a sharp leg save to deny Charalampos Kostoulas and preserve the lead. Strand Larsen went close twice at the other end, narrowly missing chances to put the game beyond doubt.

Despite six minutes of added time, Palace remained composed, seeing out the result to claim their first Premier League win since early December. For Brighton, the defeat left them stuck in another frustrating afternoon, while Palace walked away with renewed belief and a much-needed three points.