Palace Break 12-Match Winless Streak with Brighton Victory

In a crucial Premier League clash, Crystal Palace ended their 12-match winless streak with a 1-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion. The match, held on February 3, 2026, marked a significant moment for Palace, as they claimed their first win in 13 outings across all competitions.

Match Highlights

Ismaila Sarr scored the only goal of the match in the 61st minute. He was assisted by debutant Evann Guessand, who made a notable impact after coming off the bench.

Brighton nearly equalized shortly after going behind, but Dean Henderson made a crucial save against Charalampos Kostoulas. Palace almost extended their lead, but Jorgen Strand Larsen failed to convert two promising opportunities.

First Half Overview

• Lewis Dunk had a close chance with a header from Pascal Gross’ free-kick.
• Maxence Lacroix blocked a powerful shot from Maxim De Cuyper.
• Palace’s Sarr missed a chance just before halftime.

Second Half Action

Palace’s goal came from their first shot on target. Guessand set up Sarr, who capitalized on the chance despite a valiant effort from Brighton’s goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen.

Brighton’s struggle continued as their attack faltered, and they failed to find a way through Palace’s organized defense. Their poor form now sees them winless in five matches, placing them precariously close to the relegation zone.

Impact of the Result

The victory lifted Crystal Palace to 13th place in the Premier League, just one point above Brighton. This result alleviates some of Palace’s relegation worries while intensifying Brighton’s concerns. The Seagulls are now only eight points ahead of 18th-place West Ham, intensifying their push for crucial points in coming matches.

Key Players and Stats

• Ismaila Sarr: Scored the match-winner, marking his third goal at the Amex Stadium in the Premier League.
• Dean Henderson: Key saves helped maintain Palace’s lead.
• Evann Guessand: Made a significant impact in his club debut.

Brighton’s Harry Howell made history as the first player under 18 to start a Premier League match for the club, showcasing promising potential despite the team’s overall struggles.

Looking Ahead

Palace’s next fixture is scheduled against struggling Burnley at Selhurst Park on February 11. Brighton will face Aston Villa on the same day, seeking to halt their winless run.

With only a few matches remaining in the month, both teams will be eager to secure vital points to avoid relegation threats as the season unfolds.