EPL: Palace beat Brighton 1-0 to end 12-game winless run
Crystal Palace secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Brighton, ending their 12-match winless streak in the Premier League.
Crystal Palace finally clinched their first victory in all competitions since December 11 by defeating Brighton 1-0 away from home in a tense Premier League clash. The match's decisive moment came in the second half when Ismaila Sarr scored in the 61st minute. This win lifted Palace to 13th place in the league standings, just a point ahead of their rivals, Brighton. In a season of struggles, this win is significant for Palace as it restores some morale to the team and its supporters.
Brighton, on the other hand, faced growing discontent from their home fans, with chants directed at their head coach, Fabian Hurzeler, expressing dissatisfaction with the team's performance. With only two wins in their last 12 Premier League matches, Brighton’s struggles are becoming increasingly evident, and this defeat further compounds their woes. Their inability to capitalize on home advantage has raised concerns about the direction of the club.
The match also highlighted the contrasting fortunes of both teams, with Palace’s new club-record signing, Jorgen Strand Larsen, making his debut, while Brighton fielded 17-year-old Harry Howell for his first Premier League start. This encounter not only marked a pivotal point for Palace in the season but also put into question the future of Brighton’s coaching staff amid a backdrop of mounting pressure.