How it happened: Crystal Palace 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton & Hove Albion travelled to Selhurst Park to play their derby match v Crystal Palace with an exciting opportunity presenting itself to the Seagulls as they had the chance to go top of the Premier League table.
Yes, you did just read that correctly. If Brighton came away victorious from Croydon, they would be in first place in English football for the first time in their 120 year history.
The Albion were not the only team on the up either. Palace also seem to have been revived from last season under new manager Patrick Vieria and so this fixture promised to be an exciting one. Let’s take a look at How it Happened:
Brighton were missing two regular starters as Yves Bissouma and Adam Webster were ruled out due to injury. On the plus side, it was very encouraging to see Tariq Lamptey on the bench, who could potentially come on and provide a new dynamic to the game.
Crystal Palace seemed to relish playing in front of the home fans and pressed the Brighton defence from the get-go. Repeated attacks were launched but the defensive structure which Potter has dramatically improved this season held strong and ensured that the score remained goalless.
Palace remained on the front foot for most of the first half. It looked like Brighton would make it to half time on level terms until Conor Gallagher was brought down in the penalty area after a poor challenge from Leandro Trossard and the penalty was sharply awarded.
Wilfried Zaha stepped up and shattered the Brighton fans’ hopes of a Sanchez save to give Palace the lead going into the half time break.
Brighton made a half time substitution, Potter bringing on Steve Alzate in place of Dan Burn and a change of formation. The Seagulls came out of the blocks looking to score and the pressure began to build on the Palace defence.
Captain Lewis Dunk led the way with a shot forcing Vicente Guaita into a full stretch save. Alzate’s evening was short lived as he went off injured in the 65th minute, Jakub Moder coming on as the replacement.
Potter then sought another attacking change as Aaron Connolly stepped in for Danny Welbeck in the 76th minute. The final 15 minutes saw rotated attacks by each side, Palace seeking to kill the game off and Brighton searching for an equaliser in what proved to be an entertaining finish.
The 90th minute provided more drama as Shane Duffy came very close off a Pascal Gross delivery. As the game ticked into additional time, it looked like Brighton’s chance had gone when Duffy fouled Guaita to hand Palace a free kick with seconds remaining.
Guaita though produced a poor kick which fell to the feet of Joel Veltman. He played it forwards on the volley to Neal Maupay, who was quickly onto it to find himself behind the Palace defence and one-versus-one with Guaita.
Without any doubt, Maupay chipped the Palace keeper to score a brilliant equaliser. The Brighton fans, bench and players erupted in celebrations and the final whistle blew no more than five seconds after the restart, it ending Crystal Palace 1-1 Brighton.
It was a very sweet late goal to secure a point for the Albion against their rivals. Credit must go to Maupay for his cool finish, continuing a great run of form with his fourth goal of the season.
Brighton remain in a European spot following the draw with only one defeat so far leaving them sixth in the table. The next fixture is against a London club in the form of Arsenal back at the Amex stadium on Saturday evening. Stay tuned for more How it Happened.
