Crystal Palace endured a nightmare afternoon at Brighton, suffering a 5-0 defeat in the latest clash between the rivals. The result was Brighton’s first win over Palace in four meetings and matched their biggest-ever victory in the fixture, set in 1956.
Palace’s inexperienced defence was exposed inside the opening 10 minutes. Jaydee Canvot turned Pascal Groß’s precise free-kick into his own net before Diego Gómez produced the game’s outstanding moment, sending a spectacular effort from 51 metres over goalkeeper Walter Benítez after Palace lost possession.
Brighton added a third soon afterwards, with Yasin Ayari finishing a flowing attack via a deflection off Canvot. Palace struggled to contain their opponents’ tempo, having also played in the Europa League for Pierre Sage’s former club Lyon on Thursday.
The hosts continued to dominate after the interval. Charalampos Kostoulas made it 4-0 four minutes into the second half, while Palace missed opportunities to reduce the deficit. Jean-Philippe Mateta struck the crossbar with the goal open on his return from injury, and Eddie Nketiah was also unable to convert a consolation chance.
The afternoon ended with further frustration for Palace as Brighton substitute Jack Hinshelwood headed in a fifth. Sage’s assistant, Paddy McCarthy, had to be held back from confronting the Brighton bench as tempers threatened to boil over, while a number of Palace supporters left before the final whistle.
The defeat will increase scrutiny on Sage. Patrick Vieira and Roy Hodgson were both relieved of their duties not long after defeats by Brighton, while disagreements behind the scenes have reportedly emerged since Sage replaced Oliver Glasner in the summer. Brighton supporters also directed chants towards Palace chair Steve Parish suggesting that Sage could be dismissed, although it remains unclear whether the club will act.
