BRIGHTON, England (Interstat) — Substitute Ismaïla Sarr scored a second-half winner as Crystal Palace opened its Premier League season with a 1-0 victory over rival Brighton & Hove Albion at The American Express Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026.

The match, a tightly contested derby, was decided by a single moment of quality from Palace’s bench in the 61st minute. The sequence began with midfielder Diego Gómez, who played a penetrating pass to fellow substitute Daniel Muñoz on the right flank. Muñoz’s first-time cross found striker Jørgen Strand Larsen in the area. With his back to goal, Strand Larsen deftly laid the ball off for the arriving Sarr, who finished clinically from close range.

The goal was against the run of statistical probability. According to analytics firm Interstat, its pregame projection had forecast a 1-1 draw. Its ELO rating system gave Brighton, the home side, a 70.5 percent probability of securing all three points.

Brighton controlled large portions of the match but struggled to break down a disciplined and resolute Crystal Palace defense. The home side enjoyed more possession and territorial advantage but was repeatedly frustrated by a well-organized visiting block and a lack of cutting edge in the final third.

Crystal Palace’s approach was one of defensive solidity and strategic counter-attacks. The team’s game plan was executed effectively, with manager Oliver Glasner’s substitutions proving decisive. All four players involved in the winning goal — Sarr, Muñoz, Strand Larsen and provider Will Hughes — entered the match from the bench, highlighting the depth and tactical impact of Palace’s squad.

The match was a physical affair, reflected in the four yellow cards issued by the referee. Palace’s Hughes was booked in the 17th minute for a tactical foul. As tensions rose following the goal, Muñoz received a caution in the 80th minute. A scuffle in the 85th minute resulted in simultaneous yellow cards for Palace’s Strand Larsen and Gómez.

The result gives Crystal Palace an ideal start to the new Premier League campaign, securing a victory on the road against a traditional rival. It marks a successful beginning for the club across all competitions this season. For Brighton, the defeat is a disappointing opening to its league season at home, leaving the team seeking its first points and goals of the new term.

The victory provides early momentum for Crystal Palace in a rivalry known as the M23 derby. For Brighton, the defeat underscores the fine margins at the highest level, as significant pregame favoritism and home advantage were undone by one precise attacking move from the visitors. Both teams will look to build on this result when the Premier League schedule continues next weekend.