The M23 Derby returned with a bang as Crystal Palace secured a thrilling 3-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium. The Eagles, now unbeaten in five Premier League (PL) games, delivered a commanding performance to earn their first head-to-head (H2H) win in seven meetings against their fierce rivals. This victory ended Brighton’s unbeaten home run and injected fresh confidence into Oliver Glasner’s side, propelling them to 15th in the league standings.
Cagey Start, Palace Strike First
Both teams began the derby cautiously, with the game marred by niggling fouls and stop-start play. Brighton enjoyed the lion’s share of possession early on but failed to carve out any real opportunities, as their final ball repeatedly let them down.
The game sparked into life in the 27th minute when Crystal Palace capitalized on a set piece. Will Hughes whipped in a dangerous corner that Brighton failed to clear, and Trevoh Chalobah reacted quickest to bundle the ball into the net. The goal shifted the momentum firmly in Palace’s favor, and the visitors looked determined to build on their lead.
Palace Dominate First Half
Crystal Palace’s attacking threat only grew after their opener. Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was Brighton’s savior for much of the half, producing a brilliant double save to quickly deny Ismaïla Sarr and Daniel Muñoz.
However, Verbruggen couldn’t hold out for long. Just minutes later, Tyrick Mitchell delivered a pinpoint cross to the back post, where Sarr timed his run perfectly to head the ball into the net. The Eagles went into halftime with a deserved 2-0 lead, leaving Brighton reeling.
Enciso Inspires, But Brighton Fall Short
Brighton’s manager Fabian Hürzeler made a bold move during halftime, introducing Julio Enciso to spark a comeback. The Paraguayan midfielder injected life into Brighton’s attack, creating multiple chances for his teammates.
Kaoru Mitoma came close to pulling one back after a clever one-two with João Pedro, but his shot was deflected wide by Maxence Lacroix. Crystal Palace’s goalkeeper Dean Henderson was kept busy, producing a series of heroic saves. He denied a powerful header from Lewis Dunk and made a stunning stop to keep out a curling effort from Enciso that seemed destined for the top corner.
Sarr Seals the Derby Win
Just as Brighton looked to be mounting a comeback, Crystal Palace delivered the knockout blow. Ismaïla Sarr, who had been electric all evening, robbed Pervis Estupiñán of the ball before squaring it to Daniel Muñoz for a tap-in. However, VAR ruled the goal out for a foul in the build-up.
Sarr wasn’t to be denied for long. In the 82nd minute, he capitalized on a mistake by Lewis Dunk, dispossessed the Brighton captain, and coolly slotted past Verbruggen to make it 3-0. The goal sealed the win for the Eagles, despite a late Marc Guéhi own goal giving Brighton a consolation.
Palace Flying High, Brighton Stumble
This was a statement victory for Crystal Palace, who appear to have turned a corner after a slow start to the season. Oliver Glasner’s men showcased their resilience and clinical edge in front of goal, a stark contrast to their rivals Brighton, who struggled to convert possession into meaningful chances.
For the Seagulls, this loss will sting. It not only ends their unbeaten home streak but also highlights vulnerabilities that need addressing if they hope to remain competitive in the league.
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What’s Next for the Rivals?
Crystal Palace will look to build on this momentum as they climb up the table. With their unbeaten run extending to five matches, the Eagles are slowly becoming a force to reckon with. Brighton, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly and focus on bouncing back in their next fixture.
The M23 Derby may have been settled for now, but this fierce rivalry will undoubtedly continue to produce fireworks in the future.
Conclusion
The Eagles have landed, and how! Crystal Palace’s 3-1 triumph over Brighton was not only a morale booster but also a testament to their growing confidence under Oliver Glasner. With a mix of tactical discipline and attacking flair, the Eagles proved they could compete against the best. As Kenyan fans, let’s keep our eyes on the PL table and our bets on BangSports—because the season is only getting better!