Crystal Palace claimed the bragging rights in Saturday's M23 derby against Brighton & Hove Albion thanks to Jordan Ayew's second-half goal, moving the Eagles 12 points clear of the relegation zone.
An early altercation between unused substitute
Solly March missed the best chance of the game when he dragged a close-range shot wide, while at the other end Gary Cahill somehow sent a point blank header over the crossbar.
Lewis Dunk saw a goalbound effort cleared off the line by his teammate
Brighton & Hove Albion
Key Talking Point
Even with technical midfielders like Davy Pröpper, Yves Bissouma and Aaron Mooy, Brighton struggled to string much together going forward throughout large chunks of the match and couldn’t make their numbers count in the final third.
Their best chances ultimately came on the counter-attack through Solly March and
The visitors were almost the architects of their own downfall as they continued to present Brighton with chances at goal, but in the end, it was the hosts who shot themselves in the foot by not taking their chances and conceding an avoidable goal.
Player Ratings
Starting XI: Ryan (5); Montoya (6), Dunk (7), Webster (6), Burn (8); Propper (6), Bissouma (7), March (5), Mooy (6), Trossard (6); Maupay (7).
Substitutes: Murray (7),
Dan Burn
As much as wind up merchant
Dan Burn my GOAT
— Oscar (@osmilthirteen) February 29, 2020
Dan Burn is class, proper footballer
— Dan (@DLen91) February 29, 2020
Big Dan Burn's been quality so far, long may it continue #BHAFC #BHACRY pic.twitter.com/8eWy9K7LG5
— BHAseagulls.com (@BHAseagulls_com) February 29, 2020
It’s 6 months into the season and Graham Potter still has Dan Burn charging up and down the line like Dani Alves
— LFCJ__ (@LFCJ__) February 29, 2020
Crystal Palace
Key Talking Point
Even after Christian Benteke fluffed his lines with an early chance, Crystal Palace continued to play through the former Belgium international with almost every attack - a key tactic they’ve used against most teams who have, on paper, better technical ability.
Roy Hodgson’s side appeared to avoid giving Benteke goal scoring chances, but the 29-year-old has been vital when it comes to link-up play with Wilfried Zaha and Jordan Ayew in Crystal Palace’s form away from home this season, which is better than the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton.
Player Ratings
Starting XI: Guaita (7); Ward (6), Dann (6), Cahill (6), van Aanholt (7); Kouyate (6), McCarthy (7), McArthur (7); Ayew (6), Benteke (7), Zaha (7).
Substitutes:
Christian Benteke
The former Belgium international can't buy a goal right now, but Christian Benteke has been vital for Crystal Palace going forward and he showcased exactly why in their derby win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
FOR ALL THE CLOWNS TWEETING ABOUT CHRISTIAN BENTEKE....THATS WHY HE IS PLAYING
— Anthony Day Grandin (@Anthony_Day_Jr) February 29, 2020
OHHHHHHHHHH CHRISTIAN BENTEKE
OHHHHHHHHHH CHRISTIAN BENTEKE
OHHHHHHHHHH CHRISTIAN BENTEKE
When did Christian Benteke learn to carry the ball a crucial few metres in the #10 position and slip in throughballs like that?
— Rob Brown (@robbro7) February 29, 2020
Christian benteke, what an assist!! #cpfc
— Neil Martin (@neilsym26) February 29, 2020
The 29-year-old held the ball up brilliantly, freeing up space elsewhere for Zaha and Ayew, while his link-up play with Palace's other forwards was instrumental in the opening goal.
Looking Ahead
Clubs will be on FA Cup duty in midweek, but both these sides can look ahead to their next league match. Brighton will travel to Wolves, while Crystal Palace are hosting Watford.
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Source : 90min