EPL: Sarr strike ends Crystal Palace’s drought in 1–0 derby win at Brighton

EPL: Sarr strike ends Crystal Palace’s drought in 1–0 derby win at Brighton

Ismaïla Sarr scored the decisive goal as Crystal Palace ended a nine-game Premier League winless run with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over rivals Brighton at the Amex Stadium.

The result also snapped Palace’s 12-game winless streak in all competitions, providing a timely boost for Oliver Glasner’s side after a frustrating spell.

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The match appeared to be drifting toward a drab goalless draw until Sarr made the breakthrough just after the hour mark.

The winger latched onto a pass from second-half substitute Evann Guessand before calmly lifting the ball over Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, with Palace registering their first shot on target of the game.

Given both teams’ struggles for form, the first half was low on quality and creativity. Brighton full-back Maxim De Cuyper’s tame effort from the edge of the area was the only shot on target before the break.

Brighton captain Lewis Dunk came closest for the hosts, heading over from a Pascal Groß corner and later nodding wide from the midfielder’s free-kick delivery. Palace showed brief attacking intent late in the first half, with Adam Wharton firing over from distance and Sarr slicing wide under pressure from Dunk.

Clear chances remained scarce until Sarr’s 10th goal of the season in all competitions broke the deadlock. Teenage forward Charalampos Kostoulas later forced a save from Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson, but Brighton were unable to find a response.

The defeat leaves Fabian Hürzeler’s side without a league win since their 3 January victory over Burnley, while Palace celebrated a rare and valuable derby success on the south coast.

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.

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