Palace finally taste victory as Sarr sinks Brighton | OneFootball

Ismaila Sarr scored the decisive goal as Crystal Palace brought an end to their nine-game Premier League winless run with a 1-0 victory over rivals Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium.

In a contest low on quality and confidence, the breakthrough arrived just after the hour mark. Substitute Evann Guessand slipped a neat through ball into Sarr’s path and the winger showed real composure, lifting his finish over Bart Verbruggen with Palace’s first shot on target.

The first half reflected the poor recent form of both sides. Brighton captain Lewis Dunk posed the biggest threat, heading over from a corner before drifting wide from a Pascal Gross free-kick.

Palace had their moments too, but Adam Wharton fired off target from range and Sarr sliced wide under pressure.

The Eagles looked more settled after the break and gradually took control without creating many clear chances. Sarr’s goal proved decisive, though Brighton nearly hit back when teenage forward Charalampos Kostoulas broke through, only to be denied by Dean Henderson.

Late opportunities fell Palace’s way, with January signing Jorgen Strand Larsen unable to add a second, but it mattered little as Brighton once again lacked a cutting edge.

The win lifts Oliver Glasner’s side above their rivals in the table, while Brighton remain without a league victory since early January.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins

19':

Opportunity wasted. Lewis Dunk from Brighton and Hove Albion attempted a header from the middle of the penalty area but couldn't convert.

33':

Missed opportunity. Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it sailed high and to the right of the goal.

43':

Opportunity wasted! Ismaïla Sarr from Crystal Palace took a right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area, but it narrowly missed the target. The assist came from Daniel Muñoz.

61':

GOAL Crystal Palace: Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace) scores!

Ismaila Sarr scores goal number 5 in the competition (15 matches)

74':

Opportunity wasted. Jørgen Strand Larsen of Crystal Palace attempted a header from the center of the penalty area, but it sailed over the bar. The chance was set up by Will Hughes, who delivered a cross following a corner kick.

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match