Brighton
Crystal Palace
Match Statistics
Confirmed Lineups
- 1 Verbruggen B.
- 2 Kadioglu F.
- 3 Dunk L.
- 4 Boscagli O.
- 5 De Cuyper M.
- 6 Howell H.
- 7 Baleba C.
- 8 Gross P.
- 9 Rutter G.
- 10 Kostoulas C.
- 11 Mitoma K.
Substitutes
Gomez D., Hinshelwood J., Igor, Milner J., Minteh Y., O'Riley M., Steele J., Veltman J., Welbeck D.
- 1 Henderson D.
- 2 Richards C.
- 3 Lacroix M.
- 4 Lerma J.
- 5 Munoz D.
- 6 Hughes W.
- 7 Wharton A.
- 8 Mitchell T.
- 9 Sarr I.
- 10 Pino Y.
- 11 Larsen J. S.
Substitutes
Benitez W., Canvot J., Clyne N., Guessand E., Johnson B., Kamada D., Riad C., Sosa B., Uche C., X
Brighton vs Crystal Palace Match Commentary
Brighton vs Crystal Palace Match Overview: 0-1 Premier League
Brighton’s control of the ball counted for little as Crystal Palace left the Amex with a hard-edged 0-1 win on 8 February 2026. The Brighton vs Crystal Palace Score was settled just after the hour when Ismaila Sarr burst into the box and bent a ruthless finish inside the left post, a moment of clarity in a game defined by discipline, defensive timing and goalkeepers doing their jobs. For all Brighton’s 64% possession, Palace carried the sharper threat and protected their lead with the kind of collective grit that turns tight days into statement nights. This Brighton vs Crystal Palace Result will sting for Fabian Hürzeler’s side; for Palace, it felt like a derby win built on patience and punch.
First Half
Brighton began with purpose, pushing men into the box early and asking questions from set plays. Pascal Groß’s deliveries immediately found Lewis Dunk in space, and the captain should have made more of a free header that drifted over—an early warning that Brighton might not get many clean looks. The hosts moved the ball crisply in midfield, probing for Kaoru Mitoma and trying to pull Palace’s back line out of shape, but the visitors’ structure held and Dean Henderson’s reading of danger snuffed out several promising angles before they became shots.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, were happy to weather the early rhythm and then bite back in flashes. Will Hughes’ corners and wide deliveries gave them territory, and Ismaila Sarr’s movement repeatedly tested Brighton’s line—occasionally too eagerly, with offsides breaking up transitions. The clearest Palace opening arrived when Sarr met a cross and found room to shoot, only to drag his effort wide. Brighton had the ball, Palace had the bite, and the first half ended goalless with the sense that the next clean chance might decide everything.
Key Moments
- Lewis Dunk rose unmarked from an early corner but headed over, a missed platform for Brighton.
- Ismaila Sarr found space in the box and flashed a big chance wide for Crystal Palace.
- Dean Henderson’s proactive goalkeeping cut out Brighton crosses and slowed their momentum.
- The match’s edge sharpened with bookings and tactical fouls as both sides fought for control.
Second Half
Brighton came out with the same intent—possession, patience, and the hope that one precise pass would open the door. Groß and Kadioglu looked to release runners, while Mitoma drew attention whenever he received to feet. But Palace’s defensive spacing stayed tight, and when Brighton did manage to slip into the box, Henderson was quick off his line to smother the danger.
The decisive moment arrived on 61 minutes and it was brutally efficient. Substitute Evann Guessand, freshly introduced, slid a perfectly weighted ball through the inside channel and Ismaila Sarr did the rest—accelerating into the area and drilling a composed finish inside the left post for 0-1. Suddenly, the derby had a new temperature: Brighton chasing, Palace protecting.
Hürzeler responded with changes, throwing on pace and presence, including Danny Welbeck and Yankuba Minteh, and Brighton’s pressure increased without quite turning into clear-cut opportunities. Charalampos Kostoulas forced a sharp save with a low effort towards the right post, but Palace’s back line continued to meet crosses and second balls with headers, blocks and clearances. The visitors still carried a threat on the break, and deep into stoppage time Bart Verbruggen produced the save of the match—diving superbly to deny Jørgen Strand Larsen’s header that was arrowing towards the bottom corner. It ensured Brighton remained one goal away, but they never found the equaliser.
Brighton vs Crystal Palace Stats Breakdown
The Brighton vs Crystal Palace Stats told a story of control versus incision. Brighton dominated possession (64% to 36%) and matched Palace for total shots (7-7), yet the quality of chances leaned away from the hosts. Crystal Palace won the xG battle 1.16 to 0.74 and also led for shots on target (4 to 2), reflecting how often they reached dangerous zones with clearer sight of goal.
In an xG analysis lens, Palace’s advantage was reinforced by xG on target (0.87 to 0.24), while Brighton struggled to turn territory into high-value finishes. Palace also registered far more touches in the opposition box (25 to 13), a crucial indicator of who actually threatened the penalty area. Brighton’s build-up was neat, but Palace’s interceptions (10 to 3) and sheer volume of clearances (33) underlined how well Oliver Glasner’s side anticipated the final ball and survived the late siege. This Brighton vs Crystal Palace Analysis also has to credit both keepers: Henderson’s command reduced Brighton’s best moments, and Verbruggen kept the margin respectable with a brilliant late stop.
In terms of discipline, Palace collected three yellows to Brighton’s one, including a late caution for Daniel Muñoz for delaying a restart—an example of game management that frustrated the home crowd but helped see out the lead. Ultimately, the Brighton vs Crystal Palace Goals column contained only one entry, and it belonged to the visitors at the exact moment they needed it.
Brighton vs Crystal Palace Lineups
Brighton (4-3-3): Bart Verbruggen; Ferdi Kadioglu, Lewis Dunk, Olivier Boscagli, Maxim De Cuyper; Harry Howell, Carlos Baleba, Pascal Groß; Georginio Rutter, Charalampos Kostoulas, Kaoru Mitoma.
Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1): Dean Henderson; Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Jefferson Lerma; Daniel Muñoz, Will Hughes, Adam Wharton, Tyrick Mitchell; Ismaila Sarr, Yeremy Pino; Jørgen Strand Larsen.
Substitutions: Brighton introduced Diego Gomez, Yankuba Minteh, Danny Welbeck, Matt O’Riley and Jack Hinshelwood as they chased the game. Crystal Palace changed the tone with Evann Guessand before later bringing on Daichi Kamada and Brennan Johnson to help close it out.
Player of the Match
Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace). The match winner delivered the defining moment with a striker’s run and a finisher’s calm, and his off-ball movement kept Brighton wary even when Palace were without the ball. In a tight Brighton vs Crystal Palace Match Report, the decisive contribution matters most—and Sarr provided it.
What the Result Means
For Brighton match today, this was the frustrating kind of defeat that can linger: dominance of possession, plenty of promising positions, but not enough punch in the box. The challenge now is turning control into cutting edge, especially in games where opponents are comfortable defending deep and countering with speed.
For Crystal Palace match today, the win is a confidence surge—an away derby victory built on organisation, timely substitutions and clinical execution. The Brighton vs Crystal Palace Highlights will focus on Sarr’s goal and Verbruggen’s late heroics, but Palace will be just as pleased with the maturity they showed to manage the final minutes. The full-time analysis is simple: Palace created the better chances, took one, and defended the rest.
The referee checks his watch and blows his whistle to signal the end of this match.
90+7'
The game is interrupted as Brennan Johnson (Crystal Palace) is flagged offside.
90+6'
Thomas Bramall blows his whistle and it's Lewis Dunk (Brighton) who is penalised for an offensive foul. Good decision by the referee.
90+4'
Bart Verbruggen pulls off a great save to deny Jorgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace) after receiving a precise defence-splitting pass. The effort is headed for the bottom left corner, but the goalkeeper dives superbly to stop it. Definitely the best save of this match so far!
90+3'
Matt O'Riley (Brighton) fails to deliver a decent cross from a long-range free kick. The opposition's defence intercepts the effort.
90+2'
Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace) is penalised after knocking an opponent down. Brighton have a free kick.
90+1'
Yankuba Minteh (Brighton) slips through the defence and passes the ball in from the edge of the box. Danny Welbeck picks it up but loses it to one of the defenders.
90'
6 min. of stoppage-time to be played.
89'
The number of offsides is – 3:2. The statistic for corner kicks – 3:4.
89'
Olivier Boscagli (Brighton) plays a long ball to Kaoru Mitoma, but the defence is well organised and manages to get it clear. The ball goes out of play and Crystal Palace will have a goal kick.
88'
It will be a substitution. Brennan Johnson (Crystal Palace) is ready to enter the pitch as Ismaila Sarr walks off.
87'
Pascal Gross (Brighton) was standing in a clear offside position, making it an easy call for the linesman.
87'
Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) puts a cross into the box from the free kick but it's cleared.
85'
The referee is firm and issues Diego Gomez (Brighton) a deserved yellow card.
85'
This yellow card was deserved. The tackle by Jorgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace) was quite harsh and Thomas Bramall didn't hesitate to show him a yellow card.
85'
Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace) looks to break free, but an opposing player clears the ball away.
84'
Pascal Gross (Brighton) takes the free kick from a long way out but the defender manages to get it clear.
84'
An opponent rises to his feet after being downed by Evann Guessand (Crystal Palace). Thomas Bramall saw the sliding tackle and blows for a foul. It's a free kick to Brighton in a dangerous position.
82'
Fabian Hurzeler prepares a substitution. Charalampos Kostoulas is replaced by Jack Hinshelwood (Brighton).
82'
Substitution. Georginio Rutter makes way for Matt O'Riley (Brighton).
82'
Pascal Gross (Brighton) swings in the corner kick, but one of the defenders leaps highest to head the ball away.
80'
This is an obvious ploy to delay the restart of play from Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace). This is a yellow card! Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace) is not happy with the decision, but from our point of view it was clear.
79'
Olivier Boscagli (Brighton) seems to have picked up a minor injury, but it looks like he will be able to continue playing.
78'
The game is interrupted now, Olivier Boscagli (Brighton) picks up a knock and the physio has to come on.
77'
That will be all from Will Hughes who is being replaced by the fresh legs of Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace).
74'
Jorgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace) attacks the corner from Will Hughes in the centre of the box, but his header lacks accuracy and goes high over the bar.
74'
Will Hughes (Crystal Palace) looks like he will be the one to try and deliver a quality ball into the penalty box from the corner kick.
73'
Jorgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace) unleashes a decent strike heading to the bottom right corner, but the keeper dives like Superman and keeps it out.
71'
The substitution is prepared. Danny Welbeck (Brighton) joins the action as a substitute, replacing Maxim De Cuyper.
71'
Fabian Hurzeler has decided to make a change. Yankuba Minteh (Brighton) replaces Harry Howell.
71'
Carlos Baleba goes off the pitch and Diego Gomez (Brighton) comes on.
70'
Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) is unable to feed an accurate cross into the box. The ball is off of the pitch and it's a goal kick for Brighton.
69'
7:4 – this is the total number of shots produced by both teams. The current number of shots on goal is 2:2.
67'
Will Hughes (Crystal Palace) goes over to take a corner kick after one of the defenders makes a good clearance.
65'
Charalampos Kostoulas (Brighton) darts into the penalty area to latch on to a pass, and he unleashes a low shot in the direction of the right post. Dean Henderson is alert and denies him with a nice save.
64'
Georginio Rutter (Brighton) commits a foul on his opponent and it looks like it should be the other way around at first glance, but the referee makes the right decision in awarding a free kick to the other team.
61'
0 - 1
It's in the back of the net! Evann Guessand slips the ball through to Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace), and he darts into the box to unleash a magnificent shot inside the left post. He makes it 0:1.
60'
Ferdi Kadioglu (Brighton) attempts to release Georginio Rutter with a through ball, but his effort is thwarted by one of the defending players.
56'
Substitution. Evann Guessand (Crystal Palace) in, Yeremy Pino out.
55'
Carlos Baleba (Brighton) swings it in and Kaoru Mitoma gets on the end of it, but Dean Henderson shows good awareness and comes off his line to thwart the move.
54'
Brighton hold possession of the ball and display neat passing from player to player. They are waiting for the right moment to open up the opposition's defence to hit them swiftly on the break.
52'
Georginio Rutter (Brighton) skips past his man but can't keep the ball in play.
51'
Lewis Dunk (Brighton) picks out Kaoru Mitoma with a fine lofted pass, but the latter wasn't able to create some space to get into shooting range.
50'
Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace) sends a cross into the box, but Bart Verbruggen comes off his line to gather the ball.
49'
Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace) sprays a pass out to Jorgen Strand Larsen, but he can't beat his man inside the box.
49'
Pascal Gross (Brighton) serves up a nice cross, but the defence clears the danger.
48'
The ball is cleared after Harry Howell (Brighton) attempted to dribble past an opposing player. The ball goes out of play and Crystal Palace will have a goal kick.
47'
Pascal Gross (Brighton) sends a cross in and finds Georginio Rutter inside the box, but one of the defenders steps in and clears the danger.
46'
The players are back out on the pitch following the half-time break and the second half is about to start.
45+5'
That is it for the first half after the referee blows his whistle and the players head to their respective dressing rooms.
45+5'
Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton) has picked up a minor injury, but it looks like he will be able to continue.
45+1'
Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton) is down injured and the referee stops play so that he can receive medical treatment.
45'
2 additional min. will be played.
45'
Lewis Dunk (Brighton) plays a terrific long ball forward to Kaoru Mitoma, but he can't beat his man and the move breaks down.
44'
Neat link-up play between Georginio Rutter (Brighton) and Harry Howell, but Dean Henderson reads the game well and the move breaks down.
44'
Golden chance! Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace) meets a cross in the box and finds some space for a shot. He produces an inaccurate effort that goes wide of the right post.
42'
Will Hughes sends the ball into the centre of the box from the corner. Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace) bursts through a crowd of players but heads the ball miles wide of the left post.
42'
Will Hughes (Crystal Palace) will take the corner.
41'
Chris Richards (Crystal Palace) delivers a promising cross into the box, but it's cleared. The linesman points to the corner flag, Crystal Palace are going to take it.
41'
Will Hughes (Crystal Palace) sends the corner into the box, but Bart Verbruggen intercepts it and averts the threat.
40'
Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace) crosses the ball into the box, but one of the defending players averts the threat. The referee signals a corner kick to Crystal Palace.
38'
Ferdi Kadioglu (Brighton) finds himself beyond the last defender, but the game is stopped by the referee after the linesman signals for offside.
37'
Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace) sends a teasing cross into the area, but Bart Verbruggen intercepts the ball.
35'
Georginio Rutter (Brighton) gets on the ball and beats an opponent, but his run is stopped by the referee Thomas Bramall who sees an offensive foul.
34'
Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton) is forced to stop his forward run after being caught in an offside position by the linesman.
34'
The total number of attempts is 4:1. 1:0 - the latest stats for both teams in respect of shots on target.
33'
The ball rebounds out to Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) on the edge of the box. He immediately strikes for goal, but sends the ball high over the bar.
32'
Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton) was trying to get to the ball but clattered into the legs of the opponent as well. Thomas Bramall blows his whistle for an infringement. Crystal Palace get a free kick.
32'
Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace) is moving okay again after that injury scare.
31'
Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton) shoots from the edge of the penalty area. The ball travels low towards the middle of the target, but Dean Henderson easily deals with the threat.
31'
Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton) is first to the rebound but his shot is blocked. Wow, what an escape there for the opposition.
29'
Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace) requires medical treatment, so the referee stops play and signals for the physio to come onto the pitch.
29'
Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace) goes on a solo run, but he fails to create a chance as an opposition player blocks him.
28'
Ferdi Kadioglu (Brighton) sends a cross into the box, but the opposition's defence clears the ball to safety.
28'
The free kick is delivered by Will Hughes (Crystal Palace) but it's not one of his best and is easily cleared.
27'
Olivier Boscagli (Brighton) manages to dispossess his opponent of the ball, but he commits a foul in the process and the referee blows his whistle. There is a free kick near the sideline to Crystal Palace.
25'
Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace) plays a through ball but overhits it.
24'
Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace) attempts to find the head of one of his teammates with a promising cross into the box, but a defender outjumps the attackers and averts the threat.
22'
Ferdi Kadioglu almost found himself in a promising position after Harry Howell (Brighton) tried to send a defence-splitting pass, but one of the defenders reacts well and makes a timely interception.
21'
Brighton enjoy a period of possession as they are exchanging some passes and waiting for an opportunity to strike.
19'
Lewis Dunk (Brighton) wastes a great chance as he climbs high around the penalty spot to connect with a cross from the resulting free kick. He produces a header, but it goes well wide of the left post.
17'
Will Hughes (Crystal Palace) has tested the patience of referee Thomas Bramall and goes into the book for a previous late challenge.
17'
Ferdi Kadioglu (Brighton) did his best to latch on to a crossfield pass, but it was too long and it goes out of play. It's a throw-in for Crystal Palace.
16'
The percentage of ball possession is – 57:43.
15'
Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace) finds himself behind the opposition's defence, but the game is stopped for offside.
14'
The free kick is taken by Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), but ball is cleared.
13'
A clumsy foul by Carlos Baleba (Brighton) and Thomas Bramall blows his whistle. A free kick has been awarded to Crystal Palace.
12'
Pascal Gross (Brighton) sends a long cross over to Kaoru Mitoma, but Dean Henderson comes forward to gather the ball.
9'
Harry Howell (Brighton) sends a long ball in, but Dean Henderson comfortably gathers the ball.
5'
Pascal Gross pings in the corner towards the centre of the box and finds Lewis Dunk (Brighton) unmarked, but his free header is woeful and slips well over the bar.
5'
Pascal Gross (Brighton) will deliver the corner kick.
4'
Nothing comes of the resulting corner from Pascal Gross (Brighton). The defence is alert and manages to cut it out. Brighton force a corner. They send men into the box.
3'
Georginio Rutter (Brighton) sends a pass into the box, but the opposition's defence is alert to the danger and makes a clearance. Brighton earn a corner.
2'
Chris Richards (Crystal Palace) has the ability to send the ball deep into the penalty area from throw-ins and it can lead to very promising situations for his team.
1'
The first half of this match is about to start.
The players are out and the match is about to start. Crystal Palace will have the kick-off.
Thomas Bramall got the nomination for today's game and will try his best to be a fair judge and not make any mistakes.
Show lineups
The starting lineups of both teams are already revealed and you can check them out in the details of this match.
Welcome to our live text commentary, ladies and gentlemen! The starting lineups will be announced very soon, so just sit back and get ready to enjoy the action.