Ismaila Sarr delivered a stunning performance for Crystal Palace, scoring twice in a 3-1 victory over rivals Brighton at the Amex Stadium. The winger was instrumental in Palace’s first-half blitz and capped a memorable display with a brilliant solo effort late in the second half, lifting his side to a crucial win that moves them four points clear of the relegation zone.
Sarr played a pivotal role in Palace’s second goal, nodding home Tyrick Mitchell’s pinpoint cross during a devastating six-minute spell in the first half. He then sealed the victory in style after a surging run through the Brighton defense, slotting coolly past Bart Verbruggen to secure all three points. His standout performance leaves Brighton winless in four league matches and stuck in ninth place, while also adding them to a growing list of top-flight strugglers, including Ipswich, Wolves, Southampton, and Leicester, who have taken points off the Seagulls this season.
Palace took the lead in controversial circumstances when Trevor Chalobah pounced on a loose ball from a corner, prodding home after it brushed Sarr’s arm. VAR cleared the goal, but Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler was incensed, claiming referee Michael Oliver had impeded Carlos Baleba in the build-up. “The referee admitted it was his mistake, but why doesn’t he stop the game? It’s unbelievable,” Hurzeler said post-match.
Despite dominating the opening 25 minutes, Brighton failed to capitalize, with Dean Henderson making a vital low save from Kaoru Mitoma. After falling behind, the Seagulls pushed hard in the second half, introducing Julio Enciso and switching to three at the back to intensify their attacks. Henderson, however, was in inspired form, denying Lewis Dunk’s header and tipping Enciso’s curling effort wide.
Although Brighton found a late consolation when Marc Guehi inadvertently deflected a clearance into his own net, Palace weathered the pressure. Henderson capped off his heroic performance with a sprawling save from Enciso in the dying moments, ensuring Palace’s two-goal cushion remained intact.
For Brighton, the loss deepens their frustration as their winless streak continues, while for Palace, Sarr’s brilliance and Henderson’s resilience provide hope in their battle to climb further away from the drop zone.
