In stark contrast to last season’s impressive FA Cup triumph, the last two months have been filled with challenges for Crystal Palace.
The Eagles struggled to find a victory since their win against Shelbourne in the Conference League on December 11, a match that had them sitting in the Premier League’s top four.
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However, their hard-fought win against their arch-rivals on Sunday helps alleviate some of the mounting pressure on Oliver Glasner, who has announced his intention to depart at the season’s end.
Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who seemed likely to join Marc Guehi in leaving Selhurst Park during the transfer window, was sidelined for this match due to a knee injury that thwarted his move to AC Milan last Monday.
With Mateta absent, Jorgen Strand Larsen made his full debut on the south coast. The former Wolves striker faced difficulties in the first half but nearly scored for Palace when his presence disrupted Carlos Baleba’s attempted clearance inside the Brighton penalty area.
Late in the second half, Strand Larsen unleashed a powerful shot that was saved by Bart Verbruggen as Palace aimed to secure a second goal.
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It was another debutant, Evann Guessand—on loan from Aston Villa—who ultimately broke the deadlock. He cleverly fended off Olivier Boscagli’s challenge before sending Sarr clear for the only goal of the match.
This slim victory moves the Eagles ahead of their rivals, bringing their points total to 32 and putting them nine points clear of the relegation zone.