Crystal Palace defeat Brighton by 1-0 in Premier League action on Sunday, February 8, 2026, as Ismaila Sarr’s composed second-half finish sealed a crucial away victory at the American Express Stadium in Falmer.
The result ended Crystal Palace’s long winless run and increased pressure on Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler, with home supporters voicing their frustration after another disappointing performance in the 2025–26 season.
Crystal Palace vs Brighton Premier League rivalry renewed
The Crystal Palace vs Brighton Premier League rivalry delivered another tense chapter, even if goals were at a premium. Both teams entered the fixture struggling for consistency, with Palace sitting 13th and Brighton 15th in the table ahead of kick-off.
The match, broadcast live across major sports channels and followed via platforms such as Sofascore, was widely seen as a must-win encounter for both sides as the battle to avoid relegation intensified.
Palace made two changes to their lineup, including a debut for club-record £48 million signing Jørgen Strand Larsen. Brighton, meanwhile, made three alterations, handing a first Premier League start to 17-year-old midfielder Harry Howell.
First half lacks cutting edge
The opening exchanges were cautious, reflecting the pressure on both teams. Brighton enjoyed more possession but struggled to convert it into clear chances.
Seagulls captain Lewis Dunk came closest when he glanced a header narrowly wide from a Pascal Groß free-kick. Crystal Palace remained disciplined at the back, with Maxence Lacroix producing a key block to deny Maxim De Cuyper from close range.
Despite Brighton’s territorial advantage, Palace looked the more dangerous side on the counter, hinting that a breakthrough could arrive if the hosts continued to lack sharpness in the final third.
Ismaila Sarr winning goal changes the game
The decisive moment arrived in the 61st minute and would define the Crystal Palace 1-0 Brighton result.
Substitute Evann Guessand, making his Eagles debut after joining on loan from Aston Villa on January 30, made an instant impact. Capitalising on a poor headed clearance from Dunk, Guessand reacted quickest to slip the ball into the path of Ismaila Sarr.
The winger showed composure inside the box, taking a touch before firing past Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. The strike proved to be the Ismaila Sarr winning goal, sparking celebrations among the travelling Palace supporters.
Palace resilience after taking the lead
After going ahead, Crystal Palace showed maturity and organisation to protect their slender advantage. Strand Larsen twice went close to doubling the lead, underlining Palace’s attacking threat despite their conservative approach.
Brighton attempted to respond but lacked creativity and urgency. As frustration grew, chants aimed at manager Fabian Hürzeler echoed around the Amex Stadium, with sections of the crowd booing the team off at full-time.
Premier League standings after Palace victory
The victory had a significant impact on the league table, pushing Palace nine points clear of the relegation zone and lifting them above Brighton.
Premier League 2025–26 Standings
| Pos | Team | PTS | MP | W | L | D | GF | GA | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 56 | 25 | 17 | 3 | 5 | 49 | 17 | +32 |
| 2 | Man City | 47 | 24 | 14 | 5 | 5 | 49 | 23 | +26 |
| 3 | Aston Villa | 47 | 25 | 14 | 6 | 5 | 36 | 27 | +9 |
| 4 | Man Utd | 44 | 25 | 12 | 5 | 8 | 46 | 36 | +10 |
| 5 | Chelsea | 43 | 25 | 12 | 6 | 7 | 45 | 28 | +17 |
| 6 | Liverpool | 39 | 24 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 39 | 33 | +6 |
| 7 | Brentford | 39 | 25 | 12 | 10 | 3 | 39 | 34 | +5 |
| 8 | Everton | 37 | 25 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 28 | 28 | 0 |
| 9 | Sunderland | 36 | 25 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 27 | 29 | -2 |
| 10 | Fulham | 34 | 25 | 10 | 11 | 4 | 35 | 37 | -2 |
| 11 | Bournemouth | 34 | 25 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 41 | 44 | -3 |
| 12 | Newcastle | 33 | 25 | 9 | 10 | 6 | 35 | 36 | -1 |
| 13 | Crystal Palace | 32 | 25 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 26 | 29 | -3 |
| 14 | Brighton | 31 | 25 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 34 | 33 | +1 |
| 15 | Tottenham | 29 | 25 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 35 | 35 | 0 |
| 16 | Leeds | 29 | 25 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 34 | 43 | -9 |
| 17 | Nottingham | 26 | 25 | 7 | 13 | 5 | 25 | 38 | -13 |
| 18 | West Ham | 23 | 25 | 6 | 14 | 5 | 31 | 48 | -17 |
| 19 | Burnley | 15 | 25 | 3 | 16 | 6 | 25 | 49 | -24 |
| 20 | Wolves | 8 | 25 | 1 | 19 | 5 | 16 | 48 | -32 |
Crystal Palace end winless run
The result marked a turning point as Crystal Palace end winless run, snapping a 12-game drought across all competitions. The win provides a major confidence boost as Palace look to build momentum in the closing stages of the season.
Manager Oliver Glasner praised his side’s discipline and togetherness, while Brighton were left to reflect on another missed opportunity to ease relegation fears.
Premier League match highlights and what’s next
Among the standout Premier League match highlights were Sarr’s calm finishing, Guessand’s impressive cameo, and Palace’s defensive solidity under pressure.
For Brighton, the defeat leaves serious questions about form and leadership. With just one win in their last 12 league games, upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining whether they can reverse their downward slide.
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Conclusion
In the end, Crystal Palace defeat Brighton by 1-0 in Premier League action that could prove decisive in the relegation battle. Ismaila Sarr’s winning goal delivered relief for Palace and frustration for Brighton, ensuring this fierce rivalry continues to carry major consequences as the 2025–26 season unfolds.
Mainstream Media Sources
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Premier League Official Report: Brighton 0-1 Crystal Palace – Match Report — Official Premier League recap with final score and key moments, including Ismaila Sarr’s decisive goal in the 61st minute. Brighton 0‑1 Crystal Palace – Premier League Match Report
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