Crystal Palace end winless run with narrow victory over Brighton

Crystal Palace secured a crucial 1-0 Premier League victory over rivals Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, with Ismaila Sarr scoring the decisive second-half goal at the American Express Stadium.

The match remained largely cagey and short on clear chances for long periods, especially in the first half, as both teams struggled to create attacking momentum. Brighton saw more of the ball early on but lacked cutting edge in the final third, while Palace stayed compact and disciplined defensively.

The breakthrough arrived in the 61st minute when substitute Evann Guessand played Sarr through on goal. The Senegal international kept his composure to lift his finish past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, sealing what proved to be the only goal of the contest.

The result ended Crystal Palace’s lengthy winless run and provided a major boost in their battle to climb away from the relegation zone, moving them above Brighton in the league standings.

Brighton pushed for an equaliser late on, with teenage forward Charalampos Kostoulas going closest, but Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson produced a key save to preserve the lead. The defeat extended Brighton’s poor run of form, increasing pressure around the club after a difficult spell in the league.

The victory marks Palace’s first win in weeks and gives the Eagles renewed confidence heading into their upcoming fixtures, while Brighton will need to quickly rediscover form to avoid being dragged further down the table.