Brighton’s unbeaten home record in the Premier League this season came to an end as they were beaten 3-1 by Crystal Palace at the Amex Stadium.
In the so-called ‘M23 derby’, Ismaila Sarr scored a brace and Trevoh Chalobah was also on the scoresheet as Palace extended their recent unbeaten run to five games.
Brighton hit back late with a Marc Guehi own goal but it was the Eagles who climbed higher than the Seagulls on the south coast to move up to 15th in the table.
Defeat for Brighton sees them drop two places to ninth and means Fabian Hurzeler’s side have not won in four.
Great day at the beach with my friends.#CPFC // #BACHRY pic.twitter.com/YlRTHKySI1
— Crystal Palace FC (@CPFC) December 15, 2024
The first big moment fell to the home side when Joao Pedro played in Kaoru Mitoma, but the skilful winger could only slot the ball into Dean Henderson’s feet from a tight angle.
From there, Brighton carried much of the early threat. But it was Palace who would break the deadlock after 26 minutes.
A dangerous corner from Will Hughes – making his 100th appearance for the visitors – was not dealt with by the home side, allowing Chalobah to smash the ball into the roof of the net from close range.
Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen then kept the score at 1-0 with a smart double save from Sarr and Daniel Munoz.
But moments later, Palace doubled their lead when Sarr headed in the back post from Tyrick Mitchell’s deep cross.
Tyrick Mitchell swaps Ismaila Sarr and Crystal Palace DOUBLE their derby lead! 😳🦅 pic.twitter.com/OhfJIXo6Sa
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 15, 2024
Glasner’s side suddenly had their tails up. Herzeler’s men looked shocked. Eberechi Eze had a great chance to put Palace ahead but sent his header just wide.
After the break, Brighton brought on Julio Enciso in an attempt to salvage something from the game, while Yankuba Minteh and Carlos Baleba both tried to fire up the crowd.
From a free-kick, Henderson beat Lewis Dunk’s header before Enciso drew another impressive save from the Palace stopper when he turned the Paraguayan’s curling effort onto the post.
Traffic was now one-way traffic as Brighton desperately tried not to relinquish their unbeaten home record in the league. But the Palace defense held firm.
“Shar puts the stamp on a glorious afternoon for Crystal Palace!” 😍🦅 pic.twitter.com/rrhCjCnc7b
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 15, 2024
Substitute Brian Gruda’s deflected free-kick hit the top of the net. Pervis Estupinan flashed a volley.
But it would be a memorable day for Palace on the south coast. With eight minutes remaining, Sarr slipped and sent a low show under Verbruggen to claim his second of the game.
Guehi scored an unfortunate own goal in what proved to be more than a consolation for Brighton, while Eddie Nketiah produced a great effort when he should have made it four.
In the end, it was the away support that would see the M23 back with the points and indeed the bragging rights.
