Crystal Palace's 1-0 victory over Brighton has ended a 12-game winless run for the Eagles, and they have moved nine points clear of the relegation zone. However, it was a frustrating return to form for the Seagulls, who remain stuck in 13th place.
The home side were thoroughly outclassed by Palace, with Brighton's performance described as "flat" and "stale". The only glimmer of hope for the visitors came when substitute Evann Guessand scored in the 61st minute, but it was not enough to inspire a comeback. In fact, it sparked a dismal finale to the match, which left fans booing their team off the pitch.
Brighton's struggles are no secret, and they have won just one of their last 12 Premier League games. The winless run has put pressure on head coach Fabian Hurzeler, who came under intense scrutiny from the home fans. The Seagulls' captain, Lewis Dunk, was particularly singled out for criticism, with some fans calling him "the main problem".
The backlash against Hurzeler was swift and merciless, with chants of "you don't know what you're doing" and "sacked in the morning" echoing around the Amex Stadium. The head coach took it on the chin, however, saying that he would absorb any criticism as long as his players supported him.
It's clear that Hurzeler will need to lift his team's morale if they are to avoid a catastrophic collapse. Palace boss Oliver Glasner praised his fans for their loyalty and support, saying that they had created "a bond between the fans and the team" that was hard to break. For now, at least, it seems like the Eagles are the ones who can be trusted to deliver.
Crystal Palace's 12-game winless run was a stark reminder of just how tough their task is to avoid relegation. But with this welcome victory under their belts, they have taken a crucial step in the right direction. Will it be enough to keep them safe? Only time will tell.
The home side were thoroughly outclassed by Palace, with Brighton's performance described as "flat" and "stale". The only glimmer of hope for the visitors came when substitute Evann Guessand scored in the 61st minute, but it was not enough to inspire a comeback. In fact, it sparked a dismal finale to the match, which left fans booing their team off the pitch.
Brighton's struggles are no secret, and they have won just one of their last 12 Premier League games. The winless run has put pressure on head coach Fabian Hurzeler, who came under intense scrutiny from the home fans. The Seagulls' captain, Lewis Dunk, was particularly singled out for criticism, with some fans calling him "the main problem".
The backlash against Hurzeler was swift and merciless, with chants of "you don't know what you're doing" and "sacked in the morning" echoing around the Amex Stadium. The head coach took it on the chin, however, saying that he would absorb any criticism as long as his players supported him.
It's clear that Hurzeler will need to lift his team's morale if they are to avoid a catastrophic collapse. Palace boss Oliver Glasner praised his fans for their loyalty and support, saying that they had created "a bond between the fans and the team" that was hard to break. For now, at least, it seems like the Eagles are the ones who can be trusted to deliver.
Crystal Palace's 12-game winless run was a stark reminder of just how tough their task is to avoid relegation. But with this welcome victory under their belts, they have taken a crucial step in the right direction. Will it be enough to keep them safe? Only time will tell.