Ismaïla Sarr fires Crystal Palace to derby victory over Brighton

Palace end winless run with crucial away triumph

Ismaïla Sarr scored the decisive second-half goal as Crystal Palace secured a 1-0 Premier League victory over fierce rivals Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium.

The win ended Palace’s frustrating 12-match run without victory in all competitions and lifted them to 13th place in the table, moving them one point above Brighton. The defeat extended Brighton’s poor run, leaving them with just one win in their last 12 league matches.

Cagey derby comes alive after scrappy first half

The high-intensity rivalry between the two sides produced a tense and physical opening period, though clear chances were limited. Brighton captain Lewis Dunk came closest early on, heading wide from a Pascal Gross free kick, while Palace defender Maxence Lacroix made an important block to deny Maxim De Cuyper.

Palace gradually gained control as the half progressed, creating pressure through a series of dangerous long throws from Chris Richards. Sarr had a promising opportunity just before the break but sliced his effort wide after being played through by Daniel Muñoz.

With November’s reverse fixture ending goalless, another stalemate appeared likely as both teams struggled to create decisive attacking moments during the opening hour.

Sarr strike secures bragging rights for Eagles

The breakthrough arrived in the 61st minute shortly after substitute Evann Guessand made his debut appearance for Palace. The forward capitalised on a poor defensive header from Dunk before setting up Sarr, who calmly took his time before finishing past Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

Brighton responded quickly, but Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson produced a crucial save with his legs to deny Charalampos Kostoulas an equaliser.

The hosts attempted to change momentum with a triple substitution midway through the second half, but Palace remained organised defensively. Club-record signing Jørgen Strand Larsen, making his debut following his arrival, threatened to extend the lead on two occasions as Palace controlled the closing stages.

The visitors comfortably held their advantage through six minutes of added time to secure derby bragging rights and their first Premier League win since early December.