Crystal Palace Stuns Brighton with Sarr’s Late Winner
Crystal Palace has finally ended a long wait for victory and it came in dramatic fashion at Brighton’s Amex Stadium. A tense, tightly contested match saw the Eagles snatch a 1-0 win, courtesy of Ismaïla Sarr’s decisive strike in the 61st minute. This was Palace’s first league win since November and it instantly eased the pressure on Oliver Glasner’s side, lifting them nine points clear of the relegation zone.
The game started cautiously, with both teams probing but creating few clear-cut chances. Brighton, sitting mid-table but desperate for a win to revive their European ambitions, had periods of possession, yet struggled to break down a disciplined Palace defense. Crystal Palace, known for their counter-attacking prowess, waited patiently for the right moment to strike.
That moment came after an inspired debut from substitute Evann Guessand. Picking up the ball deep in his own half, Guessand delivered a precise pass to Sarr, who calmly moved into the box and finished with poise past Brighton goalkeeper Verbruggen. It was Sarr at his clinical best, showing why he has a reputation for rising to big fixtures. Palace’s first shot on target of the match proved decisive.
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Brighton fought back immediately. Charalampos Kostoulas had a golden opportunity to equalize just four minutes later, only to be denied by a brilliant save from Dean Henderson. Despite a few late surges and a near-miss from Jorgen Strand Larsen, Palace held firm, showing impressive resilience under pressure.
This result has significant implications for both clubs. For Palace, it’s a crucial boost in their battle against relegation. They now sit 13th in the Premier League, comfortably ahead of the bottom three and with a manageable run of fixtures coming up. Brighton, on the other hand, will feel the sting of another missed opportunity. Their Premier League winless streak extends to five matches and after reaching fifth place earlier this season, they are now slipping back into mid-table uncertainty.
Statistically, this match highlighted some unusual trends. Both teams registered only seven shots each, producing one of the lowest-scoring matches of the season. Palace’s away record continues to impress, having picked up 63% of their points on the road. Manager Oliver Glasner’s ability to win away games while controlling possession below 40% remains a remarkable feat in modern Premier League football.
The big takeaway? Sarr’s finishing and Palace’s counter-attacking strategy proved the difference. Brighton now faces a period of reflection if they hope to regain their early-season form, while Palace can breathe easier as they edge toward safety.
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