Recap

Sarr’s Stunner Seals Palace’s First Win in 13: Brighton Stunned in M23 Derby

In a tense M23 derby at the American Express Stadium, Crystal Palace secured a vital 1-0 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion, ending a grueling 13-match winless streak across all competitions. Ismaila Sarr’s clinical second-half strike proved decisive, propelling Palace to 32 points and a narrow edge over their rivals in the Premier League table.

First Half: Frenetic Action but No Breakthrough

The match kicked off with high intensity on February 8, 2026, in Premier League Round 25, refereed by Thomas Bramall. Palace, introducing club-record signing Strand Larsen on debut, started aggressively. Just five minutes in, the Norwegian forward used his physicality to threaten Brighton’s backline, signaling Palace’s intent to exploit set pieces and direct play.

Brighton responded at the 19th minute when Lewis Dunk rose highest from a corner but headed a golden opportunity wide, much to the frustration of the home crowd. The Seagulls dominated possession at 64% by full time, but Palace’s defense, led by Lacroix and Richards, stood firm. At the 31st minute, this duo made crucial interventions to thwart Brighton’s Kostoulas in the box.

Palace grew into the game, with Sarr nearly opening the scoring at the 43rd minute. A slide-rule pass from Muñoz found the Senegalese winger, who fired wide at the near post. The half ended goalless, HT: Brighton 0-0 Palace, after a period of threats but few clear-cut chances. Expected goals (xG) hinted at Palace’s efficiency edge, later recorded at 0.74 for Brighton versus 1.16 for the visitors.

Second Half: Sarr Strikes and Palace Dig Deep

The second period exploded into life early. At the 56th minute, fellow debutant Guessand entered the fray for Palace, replacing a starter and injecting fresh pace. Just five minutes later, at the 61st minute, the breakthrough arrived. Guessand slipped a precise through-ball to Sarr, who hammered home past Brighton’s Verbruggen with ruthless precision. GOAL: Brighton 0-1 Palace.

Brighton pushed for an equalizer, but Palace goalkeeper Henderson was heroic at the 65th minute, using his boot to deny Kostoulas in a one-on-one scenario. Strand Larsen continued to menace, forcing Verbruggen into a fine save at the near post from a fierce 73rd-minute effort.

At the 76th minute, Kamada made his eagerly-awaited return from injury, bolstering Palace’s midfield as they protected their lead. Substitutions flew thick and fast: Brighton made changes around the 71st, 77th, 80th, 82nd, and 85th minutes, while Palace adjusted at 85th and 88th, including a late offside call on Brennan Johnson at 90+6.

Palace’s defense was superb in the closing stages, repelling waves of Brighton pressure. In the 90+4th minute, Strand Larsen was denied a debut goal by Verbruggen’s sharp save on a crisp low shot. The final whistle blew at 90+7, confirming Match ends: Brighton 0-1 Crystal Palace.

Key Highlights and Notable Events

• Sarr’s Match-Winning Goal: The 61st-minute strike not only ended Palace’s drought but tore apart Brighton, marking his second such impact against the Seagulls.
• Debutant Drama: Strand Larsen started brightly, nearly scoring twice, while Guessand assisted the winner off the bench.
• Henderson’s Heroics: The goalkeeper’s boot save at 65′ was pivotal in halting Brighton’s momentum.
• Kamada’s Return: A morale boost for Palace at 76′, signaling squad depth returning.
• Stats Snapshot: Brighton edged possession (64%-36%) and total shots (7-7), but Palace created the bigger chance and higher xG (1.16 vs 0.74).
• Yellow Cards and Timeline: Brighton picked up a yellow, with Palace winning midfield battles late, including Sarr smashing wide earlier.

Post-Match Implications: Palace Rise, Brighton Wobble

This victory halted Palace’s miserable 12-13 match winless run, and boosted them to 32 points, just ahead of Brighton’s 31 points. For Brighton, sitting 13th and only 11 points above relegation, it’s now 10 winless in their last 11 league games, heaping pressure on the hosts.

The M23 rivalry history favors Palace slightly at 8 wins to Brighton’s 6, with 10 draws, making this a classic derby triumph. Sarr’s form against Brighton—\”tears them apart again\”—underscores his growing influence.

Team Form and Context

Palace entered desperate for points after a dismal stretch, while Brighton struggled at home. The American Express Stadium atmosphere was electric, but Palace’s resilience shone. Standout performers: Sarr (goal, threat), Henderson (key saves), Strand Larsen (debut menace), Guessand (assist).

Brighton’s Dunk and Kostoulas had moments, Verbruggen made crucial stops, but wastefulness cost them. Possession dominance didn’t translate, highlighting Palace’s counter-attacking prowess under Thomas Bramall’s watch.

Broader Premier League Picture

At Round 25, Arsenal lead with 56 points, Man City 50, Villa 47, United 44, Chelsea 43, Liverpool and Brentford 39. This result tightens the mid-table battle, with Palace gaining breathing room and Brighton staring at a potential slide.

Fans will savor the derby drama: Palace’s first win in 13, Sarr’s magic, debuts delivering. For Brighton, questions linger over finishing and defense. A gritty, tactical affair where quality told—Palace depart smiling.

Player Ratings and Tactical Insights

Sarr earns man-of-the-match honors for his goal and constant danger, firing wide earlier but delivering when it mattered. Henderson’s distribution and saves were Palace’s backbone. Dunk’s missed header epitomized Brighton’s day.

Tactically, Palace absorbed pressure, hit on the break—Guessand-Sarr linkup lethal. Brighton controlled the ball but lacked penetration, xG underscoring inefficiency. Substitutions swung momentum, Kamada’s entry stabilizing.

Strand Larsen’s physicality troubled Dunk, nearly grabbing a goal on debut. Verbruggen’s saves kept it close, but Palace’s low-block in the endgame was textbook.

What Next for Both Sides?

Palace build momentum, eyeing climbs up the table. Brighton must regroup to avoid relegation flirtations. This derby win could be a turning point for Oliver Glasner’s men, while Seagulls face scrutiny.

In total, a pulsating encounter: 7 shots apiece, one big chance converted perfectly by Palace. Sarr’s hammer blow echoes—Palace prevail 1-0 in a derby for the ages.