Sarr strikes as Palace end winless run at Brighton

Ismaila Sarr netted in the second half to enable Crystal Palace to snap their dismal 12-game winless streak with a 1-0 Premier League triumph at fierce rivals Brighton on Sunday.

The Senegal forward Sarr, who bagged a brace in Palace's 3-1 success at the Amex last term, slotted home the decisive strike in the 61st minute.

This result marked the Eagles' initial victory across all competitions since December 11, lifting them to 13th in the table, one point clear of the Seagulls.

Brighton drew boos from their supporters at the whistle, with manager Fabian Hurzeler facing calls of "you're getting sacked in the morning" after a loss that leaves Albion with just two wins from their past 12 top-flight outings.

Palace handed a bow to their 48 million pound (65 million dollar) record buy Jorgen Strand Larsen, as Brighton's 17-year-old midfielder Harry Howell earned his debut Premier League start.

A lacklustre opening period featured Sarr skewing an effort wide in the 43rd minute following a pass from Daniel Munoz.

Yet Sarr broke the impasse shortly past the hour mark.

Coming off the bench, Palace loanee Evann Guessand, who joined from Aston Villa on January 30, left his mark on his first outing for the club by feeding Sarr after a mishit clearance by Lewis Dunk.

Sarr rounded it off neatly, rifling past Brighton stopper Bart Verbruggen.

Soon after, Palace custodian Dean Henderson used his legs to block Charalampos Kostoulas and thwart Brighton's leveller.

Strand Larsen came close to extending Palace's advantage on two occasions prior to them seeing out six added minutes with ease for their first Premier League win since the 2-1 away success at Fulham on December 7.