Sarr strike ends Palace drought in narrow derby win over Brighton

Ismaila Sarr’s second-half finish proved decisive as Crystal Palace halted a nine-match winless run in the Premier League with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over rivals Brighton at the Amex Stadium, Sport360NG reports.

The contest appeared destined for a drab stalemate until Palace struck with their first effort on target just after the hour. Substitute Evann Guessand slid a measured pass into Sarr’s path, and the Senegal international showed composure to lift the ball over goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen for his 10th goal of the season in all competitions.

Quality was scarce in a cagey first half, reflecting both sides’ recent struggles. Brighton full-back Maxim De Cuyper registered the only shot on target before the break with a tame effort from distance, while captain Lewis Dunk went closest for the hosts, heading over from a Pascal Gross corner and later nodding wide from a free-kick delivery.

Palace grew into the game late in the opening period but failed to capitalise. Adam Wharton fired off target from the edge of the box, while Sarr sliced wide under pressure from Dunk.

Clear chances remained limited until the breakthrough, after which Brighton briefly threatened a response. Teenage forward Charalampos Kostoulas was denied by Dean Henderson, but Fabian Hurzeler’s side lacked the incision to find an equaliser and slumped to another league defeat. Brighton have now gone winless since their victory over Burnley on 3 January.

Palace lift pressure on Glasner

The result offered welcome relief for Palace head coach Oliver Glasner after a bleak run that had stretched back to mid-December. The Eagles had not won since their Conference League success over Shelbourne on 11 December and had slid away from the top four during a difficult two-month spell.

Palace were without striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, sidelined by a knee injury that scuppered a proposed move to AC Milan, while January signing Jørgen Strand Larsen was handed his first start. The former Wolves forward worked hard without reward, coming close when he blocked Carlos Baleba’s clearance and later forcing a save from Verbruggen.

It was fellow debutant Guessand, on loan from Aston Villa, who ultimately made the difference, holding off a challenge before releasing Sarr for the winner. The victory lifts Palace to 32 points, nine clear of the relegation zone and above their south-coast rivals.

Frustration grows at Brighton

Discontent among Brighton supporters intensified at full time, with boos ringing around the Amex and chants aimed at Hurzeler following another disappointing display.

The hosts enjoyed a marginally brighter opening half-hour but offered little after falling behind. Henderson comfortably dealt with Kostoulas’ effort, and Brighton faded as the match wore on.

Their recent 2–0 win over Burnley remains the only victory in their last 12 league outings, a run that has seen only Burnley and Wolves collect fewer points over the same period.

There was no appearance from James Milner, who would have drawn level with Gareth Barry’s Premier League appearance record, but the afternoon did feature a landmark moment as 17-year-old winger Harry Howell became Brighton’s youngest-ever starter in the top flight.