Crystal Palace survived a tumultuous encounter at Selhurst Park, overcoming Brighton 2-1 in a match filled with drama, passion, and three red cards.
The Eagles took an early lead in the third minute when Jean-Philippe Mateta latched onto Eberechi Eze’s incisive pass and curled a stunning shot into the top corner.
Brighton responded strongly, with Dean Henderson making critical saves before Danny Welbeck leveled in the 31st minute, converting Yankuba Minteh’s exquisite cross to become Brighton’s all-time leading Premier League scorer.
Palace reclaimed the lead early in the second half, courtesy of Colombian Daniel Munoz. Eze again proved pivotal, threading a perfectly weighted ball for Munoz to drill into the far corner.
The tension escalated as substitute Eddie Nketiah and Marc Guehi both received second yellow cards for Palace, reducing the hosts to nine men.
Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke followed suit in stoppage time, sent off for a foul on Daichi Kamada after the Japan international’s brilliant midfield burst.
Palace held firm in the final moments, securing their fifth win in six matches and moving within two points of the Premier League’s top half.
Oliver Glasner’s side is enjoying a remarkable campaign, with an FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa on the horizon and renewed hope for a strong league finish.
This victory marks Palace’s first league double over Brighton since the 1932-33 season, adding another chapter to their storied rivalry.
