Danny Welbeck’s late goal provided yet another draw for one of the Premier League’s most unique rivalries, as Brighton came back to draw Crystal Palace 1-1 at Selhurst Park on Thursday.
Jordan Ayew’s first-half goal had Palace poised to end a six-match winless run and claim rivalry honors, but Brighton pushed and pushed and found their way onto the scoresheet when Pascal Gross’ sixth assist of the season was turned over a flying Dean Henderson.
Brighton goes eighth with its 27th point of the season, while Palace’s 18th point is good for 15th place.
WATCH CRYSTAL PALACE VS BRIGHTON FULL MATCH REPLAY STREAM
One of the Premier League’s most unique rivalries had been tight the last few seasons, with three draws and a Brighton win since Palace last claimed all three points. Make it four draws.
The last five Premier League matches between the rivals at Selhurst Park have been 1-1 draws.
Brighton’s now won just one from five in the Premier League, though the Seagulls have Europa League wins over AEK Athens and Marseille in that time.
It’s a second-straight draw for Palace following a fine 2-2 comeback draw at Manchester City.
Sweet service sends up split spoils
Pascal Gross and Michael Olise are among the best crossers in the Premier League, so it shouldn’t be surprising that their service is what got both teams on the scoreboard.
And veteran finishers did not fluff their lines.
Brighton won’t like how they handled Olise’s back post cross to Jordan Ayew, but Roy Hodgson won’t be surprised to see the Ghanaian international nail his chance to make it 1-0.
The Seagulls then tried to find their way level and couldn’t find the answer as both Facundo Buonanotte and Jan Paul van Hecke will be thinking about missed chances later tonight and Dean Henderson had at least one very good save.
Palace’s first half deserved something and Brighton did enough to claim the same over the second 45.
What’s next?
Palace goes to Chelsea on Wednesday before a Saturday, Dec. 30 visit from Brentford.
Brighton have a week before a Thursday scrap with Tottenham at Selhurst Park, then it’ll be a Tuesday, Jan. 2 trip to West Ham.
Crystal Palace vs Brighton live score, updates: 1-1
Goal: Ayew (45+1'), Welbeck (82')
Danny Welbeck goal (video)
The substitute delivers!
Pascal Gross sweeps a ball from the right toward the spot, and Welbeck rises high to loft a header toward the corner.
Dean Henderson flies through the air but he can’t reach it. 1-1!
Palace get a little bit of luck
Dean Henderson’s been good today but his inability to hold onto a Brighton cross nearly led to an equalizer.
Palace’s defenders stepped up to block Brighton’s best efforts, however.
The Seagulls are pushing, as center back Lewis Dunk has done a fair bit of organizing and playmaking from inside Palace’s third.
Halftime analysis: 1-0
Brighton had more of the ball, but Palace can claim more of the danger.
Michael Olise is a busy man for the hosts, and the Frenchman’s kept Brighton aware of his location.
Both teams look like they’d like to work the right side of the pitch, and it was Olise’s clever cross from that area that foun d savvy veteran Jordan Ayew at the back post for a simple header.
Palace’s xG is 1.03 to Brighton’s 0.19 and the Eagles have taken seven shots to their visitors’ four, though the Seagulls have had 60 percent possession.
Jordan Ayew goal (video)
Extended feeling-out period
It’s been a pretty even first half-hour, as both sides have so far hit their lone shots on target right at the keeper.
Palace had a good spell in the 36th minute, with two shots blocked by the Eagles before they reached Bart Verbruggen.
How to watch Crystal Palace vs Brighton, stream link, TV channel
Kickoff: 3pm ET Thursday
Odds: Palace (+225) vs Brighton (+115) | Draw (+250)
TV Channel: USA Network
Stream: Watch online via NBCSports.com
Crystal Palace lineup
Our XI for #CRYBHA 🫡#CPFC | @shophumm
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) December 21, 2023
Brighton lineup
TEAM NEWS! 🚨 Here's tonight starting XI to face @CPFC in the @PremierLeague. 📝
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 21, 2023
📲 https://t.co/S3j1TIedJv // #BHAFC 🟢⚫️ pic.twitter.com/sBd9s1P8tz
Focus on Crystal Palace, team news
Palace only have four wins this season and only one has come at home, a 3-2 defeat of Wolves at Sept. 3. Otherwise, the Eagles have won at Sheffield United, Manchester United, and Burnley. Selhurst Park is due.
OUT: Odsonne Edouard (knee), Rob Holding (ankle), Cheick Doucoure (achilles - out for season), Sam Johnstone (calf), Jordan Ayew (suspension), Joel Ward (hamstring) | QUESTIONABLE: Jefferson Lerma (hamstring)
Focus on Brighton, team news
Pascal Gross has been buzzing for Brighton, while Facundo Buonanotte and Joao Pedro have both scored in the recent weeks.
OUT: Ansu Fati (thigh), Julio Enciso (knee), Tariq Lamptey (thigh), Solly March (knee), Pervis Estupinan (thigh), Adam Webster (knock), Joel Veltman (knee)