Crystal Palace brought an end to their nine-game Premier League winless run as Ismaïla Sarr’s second-half strike secured a vital 1–0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in the M23 derby.

With just one win from their previous 11 league outings, Brighton knew the importance of making a fast start and began on the front foot. The Seagulls dominated early possession and carved out the first clear chance when Lewis Dunk glanced a close-range header wide from Pascal Groß’s inviting free-kick.

Palace, led up front by record signing Jørgen Strand Larsen, initially struggled to impose themselves, while Brighton continued to look the more dangerous side. Maxim De Cuyper came close to breaking the deadlock, only for Chris Richards to block his goal-bound effort.

Despite a disjointed opening half-hour, the Eagles grew into the contest before the break, with Sarr testing the near post after driving a powerful effort narrowly wide.

Determined to build on that momentum after the restart, Palace were rewarded just before the hour mark. Manager Oliver Glasner introduced debutant Evann Guessand, and the substitute made an immediate impact by releasing Sarr through on goal. The winger kept his composure to guide a calm finish past Bart Verbruggen.

Brighton responded with urgency and almost drew level when Charalampos Kostoulas fired low, only to be denied by the outstretched legs of Dean Henderson. Chances followed at both ends as Verbruggen stood firm to repel Strand Larsen, while the hosts failed to capitalise on a series of promising set-pieces.

Palace passed up a late opportunity to double their lead in stoppage time, but it mattered little as the final whistle confirmed a long-awaited league win. The result marked Palace’s first Premier League victory since early December, lifting them above Brighton and opening a nine-point cushion clear of the relegation zone.