Eagles end Seagulls unbeaten home league record in ‘M23 derby’

Brighton’s unbeaten home record in the Premier League this season came to an end as they were beaten 3-1 by Crystal Palace at the Amex Stadium.

In the so-called ‘M23 derby’, Ismaila Sarr bagged a brace and Trevoh Chalobah was also on the scoresheet as Palace extended their recent unbeaten run to five matches.

Brighton pulled one back late on through a Marc Guehi own goal but it was the Eagles who soared higher than the Seagulls on the south coast to move up to 15th spot in the table.

Defeat for Brighton sees them drop two places to ninth and means Fabian Hurzeler’s side now without a win in four.

Great day at the seaside with my friends.#CPFC // #BHACRY pic.twitter.com/YlRTHKySI1

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) December 15, 2024

The first big moment fell to the hosts when Joao Pedro played in Kaoru Mitoma but the skilful winger could only blast the ball at Dean Henderson’s legs from a tight angle.

From there, Brighton carried much of the early threat. But it was Palace who would break the deadlock after 26 minutes.

A dangerous corner swung in by Will Hughes – making his 100th appearance for the visitors – was not dealt with by the hosts, allowing Chalobah to smash the ball into the roof of the net from close range.

Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen then kept the the score at 1-0 with a smart double save from Sarr and Daniel Munoz.

But, just moments later, Palace did double their lead when Sarr headed in at the back post from Tyrick Mitchell’s deep cross.

Tyrick Mitchell swings it in for Ismaila Sarr and Crystal Palace DOUBLE their lead in the derby! 😳🦅 pic.twitter.com/OhfJIXo6Sa

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 15, 2024

Glasner’s side suddenly had their tails up. Hurzeler’s men looked shell-shocked. Eberechi Eze had a great chance to put Palace further in front but he sent his header just wide of the mark.

After the break, Brighton brought on Julio Enciso in a bid to salvage something from the game, while Yankuba Minteh and Carlos Baleba both attempted to drum up the home crowd.

From a free-kick, Henderson beat away Lewis Dunk’s header before Enciso drew another impressive save from the Palace stopper when he turned the Paraguayan’s curling effort round the post.

It was now one-way traffic as Brighton tried desperately not to relinquish their unbeaten home record in the league. But the Palace defence were holding firm.

“Sarr puts the seal on a glorious afternoon for Crystal Palace!” 😍🦅 pic.twitter.com/rrhCjCnc7b

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 15, 2024

Substitute Brajan Gruda’s deflected free-kick grazed the top of the net. Pervis Estupinan flashed a volley wide.

But it was to be a memorable day for Palace on the south coast. With eight minutes remaining, Sarr was slipped through and sent a low show under Verbruggen to claim his second of the match.

Guehi scored an unfortunate own goal in what proved to be little more than consolation for Brighton, while Eddie Nketiah scooped an effort wide when he should have made it four.

In the end, it was the away support that would head back up the M23 with the points and indeed the bragging rights.