Decision makers at Crystal Palace will feel extremely chuffed with their transfer business after winning 1-0 at arch-rivals Brighton – as the home fans called for their manager, Fabian Hurzeler, to be sacked.
Club-record signing Jorgen Strand Larsen, who joined from Wolves for £48million on Deadline Day, was chucked in from the start by Oliver Glasner. His arrival was supposed to spell the end of the Jean-Philippe Mateta era at Palace.
Yet a knee injury he has carried since the November international break caused his £30m move to AC Milan to collapse after he failed a medical.
Mateta was not in the squad on Sunday and will play no part against Burnley on Wednesday either.
He has not been banished, however. Rather, he has been shopping around Europe’s finest consultants, seeking specialists to determine how damaged his troublesome knee is.
The 28-year-old has one more appointment on Monday, this time with a German doctor, before deciding how to proceed for the remainder of the season.
Glasner would welcome Mateta back as one of two top-class centre forward options alongside Strand Larsen. Eddie Nkietiah is also nearing a return from injury.
But Mateta may opt to have surgery depending on his final appointment. Palace expect to have a verdict by the middle of the week.
Ismaila Sarr scored the only goal of the game to hand Palace victory over their bitter rivals
Sarr’s 10th goal of the season helped Crystal Palace snap a 12-match winless run
Dean Henderson joins in the celebrations as Palace pulled further clear of the relegation zone
Regardless, Palace fans have fallen out of love with Mateta. But Strand Larsen earned instant adoration. In the first minute, the Palace support chanted: ‘Strand Larsen woah, he’s Scandinavian, he hates Albion.’
It was evident why Palace splashed the cash. His touches, link-up and hold-up play were strong.
Before Aston Villa flop Evann Guessand was introduced, Strand Larsen found himself isolated in attack. That said, those around him will take a while to become accustomed to his strengths.
Strand Larsen nearly had his moment when it fell for him inside the area in stoppage time. Bart Verbruggen spoiled his chance of a perfect debut, making a good stop to deny his drilled effort.
From one debutant to another, Guessand made a promising impression – a far cry from his Aston Villa struggles. It was a step towards impressing his new paymasters, who will decide whether to trigger their option to buy following this loan stint.
Lewis Dunk, often the flashpoint in this rivalry, misplaced a headed clearance and Guessand capitalised. He slotted Ismaila Sarr through after receiving possession in midfield. Sarr, who scored twice at the Amex last season, compounded Brighton’s misery once more, his right-footed effort struck Verbruggen’s face before nestling in.
Brighton offered little after falling behind. Their only real chance came three minutes later, when a ball in behind struck Maxence Lacroix and fell to Charalampos Kostoulas, who went one-on-one with Dean Henderson before the goalkeeper made an unbelievable stop to deny the hosts a leveller.
Palace boss Glasner has relished this rivalry since taking the reins in February 2024, remaining unbeaten against the Seagulls with three wins and a draw.
Crystal Palace fans are escorted into the Amex by police ahead of kick-off
Brighton were booed off by the home support after a toothless display in the derby
The defeat increased pressure on manager Fabian Hurzeler as Brighton’s slide continues
This was a crisis averted for Palace. They pulled nine points clear of the relegation zone, leapfrogging Brighton in the process, after 12 games without a win.
‘It’s a mix of relief and happiness,’ said Glasner. ‘I hope it’s the turning point. We need to be consistent. This feeling after a win, the emotions with the players and fans, you can’t buy it. We go back up the M23 delighted. The fans will stop once or twice to buy some more Guinness. That’s why football is so great.’
It was Glasner’s final taste of the rivalry. Brighton supporters would like it to be Hurzeler’s, too.
Hurzeler was battered at full-time, booed by the home support, who questioned his in-game management and called for him to get the boot. The form is inadequate, the performances flat.
‘I really enjoy working with the club,’ said Hurzeler. ‘It’s not an easy situation to take. I will absorb the criticism. It’s fine if they criticise me if they support the team. It’s fine if they blame me. I feel responsible for it. It’s a part of being a coach that you have to take responsibility.’
Despite the impassioned anti-Hurzeler sentiment, his job appears safe for now. Brighton are not reactionary. Though if he cannot steady the ship, he may not make it to next season.
