Football React | Crystal Palace 0 - 0 Brighton & Hove Albion

A decent performance from Palace on derby day

However, they just couldn't find a way through the Brighton defence. Is fatigue starting to play a part in Palace's season?

Author | Ajay

Stadium | Selhurst Park

Both sides started brightly, creating early chances, but the game soon lost its edge. Palace, with Adam Wharton back in the side but missing injured captain Marc Guehi, went close through Jean-Philippe Mateta after fine work from Ismaila Sarr. 

Brighton responded as Diego Gomez forced a save from Dean Henderson, before Sarr tested Bart Verbruggen at the other end. The best chance of the half fell to Yankuba Minteh, who dragged his shot wide after Gomez had pounced on Wharton’s error.

After the break, Palace squandered a golden opportunity when Wharton dispossessed Carlos Baleba, only for Sarr and Daichi Kamada to miscontrol before Kamada fired wide. Brighton thought they had a penalty when Georginio Rutter went down, but a VAR review saw the decision overturned and Rutter booked for simulation. Substitute Yeremy Pino almost snatched victory in stoppage time, but Verbruggen’s smart save ensured the match finished goalless.

What did the fans say?

Matt: There were some strong performances throughout the side, especially at the back. As the match wore on, though, we looked increasingly leggy, so I was content to take a point by the end. January reinforcements are definitely needed.

Paul: Once again it feels like two points dropped after missing clear chances to win it. There have been too many of those this season. The Brighton dive for the penalty was rightly punished, Tom Daley would have been proud. Jean-Philippe Mateta could do with a rest.

Marcus: We faded in the last 10 to 20 minutes but might still have edged it. Those midweek fixtures really catch up with you. A couple of solid January signings could make all the difference.

Stephen: Fatigue is becoming a major issue, and it showed in a flat Palace performance. Several players look exhausted, so it is time for the squad’s fringe options to make an impact. Brighton moved the ball well but offered little threat. A draw felt fair. Attention now turns to finding a much-needed away win at Wolves after the international break.