Premier League GW18 - Crystal Palace vs Brighton

Crystal Palace vs Brighton | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

A exciting M23 derby between Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace took place at Selhurst Park. It was going to be a fierce struggle because both teams were keen to win important points. There had been a 1-1 draw in the previous four Premier League encounters at Selhurst Park, suggesting that this one would also be well contested.

Starting XI:

CRYSTAL PALACE (4-3-3):

Dean Henderson; Nathaniel Clyne, Joachim Andersen, Marc Guehi, Tyrick Mitchell; Jefferson Lerma, Chris Richards, Will Hughes; Michael Olise, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Jordan Ayew.

SUBS: Remi Matthews, James Tomkins, Jeffrey Schlupp, Naouirou Ahamada, Eberechi Eze, David Ozoh, Jairo Riedewald, Malcolm Ebiowei, Matheus Franca.

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION (4-2-3-1):

Bert Verbruggen; Jack Hinshelwood, Jan-Paul van Hecke, Lewis Dunk, Igor; Carlos Balepa, Billy Gilmour; Simon Adingra, Pascal Gross, Kaoru Mitoma; Joao Pedro.

SUBS: Jason Steele, Leigh Kavanagh, Mahmoud Dahoud, James Milner, Jakub Moder, Facundo Buonanotte, Adam Lallana, Evan Ferguson, Danny Welbeck.

Selhurst Park Stadium | Picture Credits: We are Palace

First Half: Verbruggen's Error and Ayew's Precision

Brighton had the better of the possession in the first half, but there were few clear-cut opportunities. The dynamics of the game drastically changed at the 45th + 1 minute. A lofted pass attempt by Bert Verbruggen went wrong and ended up at Michael Olise's feet. Just before halftime, Jordan Ayew, unmarked, executed a perfect header after an alert Olise set up a crisp cross to the far post, giving Palace a vital 1-0 lead.

Palace had more confidence at the break thanks to Ayew's strike. Verbruggen's expensive mistake had given the hosts a significant lead. Brighton had more possession, but they had trouble turning it into significant chances. The scenario was set for a second half in which both sides tried to influence the result.

Second Half: Brighton's Persistence and Welbeck's Heroics

With a goal to recover, Brighton had multiple opportunities in the second half. Pascal Gross's efforts, Lewis Dunk's header, and the impressive play of substitutes Buonanotte and Welbeck put Palace under pressure. The crucial moment came in the 82nd minute when Welbeck's incredible looping header met Gross's magnificent left-footed cross to tie the score at one.

Henderson's choice to punch rather than catch the ball gave Palace a nervous moment as the game was about to end. Avoided by the post, it gave the last few minutes a sense of suspense. But neither side was able to score a game-winning goal, and the game ended in the well-known 1-1 draw.

Derby Ends in Familiar Draw

Both clubs departed Selhurst Park with a point thanks to Ayew's accuracy and Welbeck's valiant efforts in a game marked by defensive mistakes. The Palace losing record now stands at seven games, while Brighton moved up to ninth place with a crucial away point. The M23 derby played up to its reputation as a fierce match, and now both sides are focused on their next games. Brighton will play Tottenham, while Palace will go to Chelsea in a difficult matchup. The M23 derby's drama will reverberate throughout the Premier League action.

Ayew scored a goal with a perfect header which gave Palace a 1-0 lead right before the half time | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Welbeck's goal for Brighton levelled the score | Picture Credits: Premier League Website