Brighton turned the south-coast derby into a one-sided afternoon, sweeping Crystal Palace aside 5-0 with a first 10 minutes that left the visitors chasing shadows and the result already beyond serious doubt.
Brighton make a flying start
The home side were three ahead before Palace had found their bearings. A dangerous Pascal Gross delivery forced Canvot into an own goal in the fourth minute, and Brighton did not allow their neighbours a moment to recover.
- In the seventh minute, Diego Gómez won possession and caught Palace goalkeeper Walter Benítez out with a remarkable strike from more than 30 metres.
- Ayari added the third three minutes later, finishing low after a flowing team move and a back-heel assist from Kostoulas.
- With a 3-0 cushion, Brighton were able to slow the contest down, keep the ball and avoid taking unnecessary chances.
Palace improved a little as the first half wore on, but there was little conviction or invention in their play. Brighton looked composed and secure; the visitors looked like a side who had arrived after the important part of the match had already happened.
Kostoulas adds a fourth after the interval
Kostoulas had an early second-half opportunity before getting his name on the scoresheet in the 49th minute. Ayari’s initial effort came back into the area and the forward reacted quickest to turn in the rebound.
The goal was checked by VAR before being allowed to stand, compounding a miserable spell for Palace. Brighton had control of the derby, though Palace’s substitutions did at least give them a little more purpose.
Palace miss their brief openings
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s introduction helped Palace ask a few questions. The French forward struck the crossbar in the 63rd minute, an opening which might have altered the mood even if the scoreline remained a steep hill.
- Mateta hit the bar with Palace’s clearest chance in the 63rd minute.
- Jefferson Lerma then headed against the post from a corner in the 74th minute.
- Brighton weathered those moments without much alarm and soon restored complete authority.
The fifth arrived through Hinshelwood. Benítez saved Vuskovic’s effort from a corner, but the loose ball fell invitingly and Hinshelwood finished the job.
Table picture sharpens
The emphatic win sends Brighton into second place, behind Manchester City, with Arsenal still to play. Palace, meanwhile, remain on seven points and sit only two points above the relegation places after a derby in which they were outplayed from the opening whistle.
