Against the backdrop of last season’s magnificent FA Cup victory, the last two months have largely been pure sadness for Crystal Palace.
The Eagles had not won since beating Shelbourne in the Conference League on December 11, when they were still in the Premier League’s top four.
But Sunday’s tough victory over their fierce rivals will go some way to easing the pressure that has been building around Oliver Glasner, who plans to leave at the end of the season.
Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who looked set to follow Marc Guehi away from Selhurst Park in the transfer window, was unavailable for this match due to a knee injury which caused his move to AC Milan to fall through last Monday.
His absence meant that Jorgen Strand Larsen made his full debut on the south coast. The former Wolves striker had little joy in the first half, although he almost inadvertently put Palace ahead when he interfered with Carlos Baleba’s attempted clearance inside the Brighton penalty area.
Strand Larsen also had a powerful shot saved by Bart Verbruggen as Palace looked to double their lead late in the second half.
It was another Palace debutant who managed to unlock the Seagulls’ lead when Evann Guessand, arriving on loan from Aston Villa, withstood Olivier Boscagli’s challenge before sending Sarr racing for the game’s only goal.
The narrow victory lifts the Eagles above their rivals and puts them on 32 points, nine above the relegation zone.