Danny Welbeck’s late, arcing header secured a crucial point for Brighton, preventing rivals Crystal Palace from claiming victory at Selhurst Park in the Premier League.
After dominating much of the second half, the Seagulls equalized deservedly when substitute Welbeck connected with Pascal Gross’ deep cross, deftly flicking the ball over Dean Henderson and into the top corner.
Jordan Ayew had initiated the scoring for Crystal Palace just before half-time, and the home side were only eight minutes away from breaking their six-match winless streak in normal time.
Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen inadvertently surrendered possession to Michael Olise, whose long cross found Ayew, concluding with a finish at the back post.
Following Welbeck’s equalizer, his first goal since scoring at Manchester United in September, the visitors appeared more likely to secure a winning goal.
They came close in an unusual sequence when Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson punched a cross against Welbeck’s head, with the ball fortunately bouncing wide.
This resulted in a fifth consecutive 1-1 draw in this fixture at Selhurst Park.
Welbeck goal could kickstart resurgence
Brighton fans will be optimistic that their team’s late comeback against a traditional rival could spark an end to their recent struggles. Roberto De Zerbi’s squad has won just two of their last 12 league matches and currently holds a club-record streak of 22 consecutive league games without a clean sheet.
After a first half with few opportunities for either side, Welbeck had a forceful header blocked by Ayew in the second half, and Jan Paul van Hecke also saw his attempt denied by a wall of Palace defenders after Henderson had fumbled a corner.
The visitors had a valid penalty appeal dismissed when Jack Hinshelwood went down under pressure from Ayew. However, referee John Brooks correctly observed the teenager stumbling on the ground, not due to a challenge.
Brighton came close in the 55th minute when Gross’ wide free-kick found Lewis Dunk unmarked in the area, but the defender headed wide of the far post. It was Welbeck who ultimately came to the rescue, scoring his second goal of the season to ensure the points were shared.
“I think we played in a different way in the second half, played with more energy and invention to score,” Brighton boss De Zerbi told Sky Sports.
“We concede another bad goal and we can play better and we can’t lose the ball in that way. We have to accept the policy of the club is to play with many young players.
“With the young players, you have to give them time to make mistakes.”
Palace’s home troubles continue
As for Palace, their supporters will continue to ponder what could have been. The Eagles have managed just one home victory in this campaign, secured against Wolves in September. Nevertheless, the point earned against Brighton did halt the club’s four-match losing streak at Selhurst Park.
Roy Hodgson’s team generated a few early half-chances through Jean-Philippe Mateta but largely absorbed Brighton’s pressure. Once they took the lead, Palace opted to defend deep and safeguard their advantage.
Just before Welbeck’s equalizer, Mateta set up substitute Eberechi Eze, but his attempt was excellently blocked by Dutch defender Van Hecke.
With their winless streak now reaching seven games, Palace remains in 15th place in the table, standing nine points above the relegation zone and trailing the eighth-placed Seagulls by nine points.
“We have played three of the best teams in the league in our last three games, and have done alright,” said Palace boss Hodgson.
“We’ve taken two points, against Liverpool we should have got something as well. We are getting stronger as the weeks go by.”