New Delhi: Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace handed Brighton and Hove Albion a 3-1 loss at the Falmer Stadium on matchday 16 of the Premier League. Coming into the game, Brighton were winless in their last three games, having lost 3-1 to Fulham and playing two draws in the process.
The first half belonged to Palace, as they controlled the game with a 2-0 lead into the break after Brighton had registered three shots from five touches. However, in a six-minute phase, Palace were able to put the hosts under pressure when Trevoh Chalobah found the back of the net in the 27th minute.
Just minutes later, Ismaila Sarr doubled the visitor’s lead, making his second goal involve the evening. Brighton had a few chances throughout the first half but was simply not able to finish well against a relentless Palace defence, and they needed to come back stronger after the break.
Great day at the seaside with my friends.#CPFC // #BHACRY pic.twitter.com/YlRTHKySI1
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) December 15, 2024
The Seagulls had regrouped better as they kept creating chances, with Julio Ensico’s introduction in the second half proving good for the hosts, but they needed more than just creating close calls. Just when it looked like the second half would end rather uneventful, Sarr scored his brace in the 82nd minute. However, an error from Marc Guehi, just four minutes later, saw Brighton’s first goal on the board after earning a corner.
This reignited some hopes in the Brighton camp, which kept looking for the lifeline that could pierce through the Palace defence, with Dean Henderson constantly being tested by Joao Pedro and Kaoru Mitoma. Earlier, a Daniel Munoz goal was disallowed for the Eagles, although it didn’t matter as Sarr ensured they took the goal minutes later.
In the end, Palace managed to take away all three points as they stayed above the relegation zone by just a couple of points. They are now undefeated in their last five games, winning twice and playing three draws. It was a disappointing afternoon for Brighton, who have been one of the better sides in the league, collecting 24 points so far.
Man of the Match
Ismaila Sarr’s game by numbers vs. Brighton:
8 touches in opp. box
7 duels won
6x possession won
5 shots
3 shots on target
2 fouls won
2 tackles
2 chances created
2 goals
1 assist
Involved in all three goals. 👏#BHACRY pic.twitter.com/H06aerWtDd
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) December 15, 2024
Sarr’s assist and goal in the first half were the difference between the two teams. Although the assist may not have much to do with him, as it was a final second deflection, his goal was certainly enough for the Eagles to go into the second half with much high confidence. Arriving for Tyrick Mitchell’s cross with good speed, he headed his brilliantly.
Throughout the game, Sarr created two chances and won half of his tackles. Further, he made 10 accurate passes and had a total of five shots on target. Even in defence, the Senegalese international won half of his tackles and made six recoveries. He was literally everywhere that Palace needed him today.
Ismaila Sarr’s three goal involvement helps Crystal Palace take their third win of the season as Brighton and Hove Albion lose at home. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
