Ismaila Sarr scored twice as Crystal Palace defeated Brighton, handing their rivals a first home loss of the season and moving four points clear of the relegation zone.
The scoring opened in the 27th minute when centre-back Trevoh Chalobah fired a powerful shot into the roof of the net after a scramble in the six-yard box following a corner.
Just six minutes later, Palace doubled their lead. Tyrick Mitchell delivered a precise curling cross, which Senegalese forward Sarr headed in at the far post.
Sarr sealed the victory in the 82nd minute with his second goal, breaking free and calmly slotting the ball under Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
Brighton managed a late consolation goal through a bizarre own goal by Marc Guehi, who inadvertently deflected Maxence Lacroix’s clearance into the net during a corner scramble.
Palace could have added more in the first half, with Daniel Munoz forcing an excellent save from Verbruggen and Eberechi Eze narrowly missing with a header.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler introduced Julio Enciso at halftime, and the Paraguayan forward immediately energized the hosts, pinning Palace in their half for much of the second period.
Dean Henderson, Palace’s goalkeeper, delivered crucial saves to deny Lewis Dunk and Enciso.
The visitors thought they had added a third when Munoz tapped the ball into the net, but the goal was disallowed for a foul by Sarr on Pervis Estupiñán in the buildup.
Sarr eventually found the net again late on, securing Palace’s first win over Brighton since 2021.
Brighton’s consolation came from Guehi’s misfortune, marking his second own goal of the season as Lacroix’s clearance ricocheted off his back into the net.
Palace continue upturn in form
Crystal Palace’s season began far from ideal, but Oliver Glasner’s side is showing signs of a resurgence.
The Eagles’ strong finish to the previous campaign had some tipping them as dark horses for European qualification in 2024-25. However, injuries to key players and a challenging opening schedule left Palace winless in their first eight games this season.
This victory, however, marks a significant turnaround, with Palace suffering just one loss in their last eight Premier League matches. The result not only helps them climb further away from relegation danger but also boosts their confidence ahead of a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash against Arsenal on Wednesday.
Brighton, meanwhile, have received widespread praise for their style of play this season, but they are now winless in their last four Premier League outings.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side remains only four points off the Champions League spots, yet the nature of this defeat will be a source of frustration. The Seagulls dominated possession in the first half before conceding from a corner and controlled much of the second half without reward.
Brighton will look to bounce back in their next league game, an away fixture against West Ham.