Eberechi Eze masterful, Eddie Nketiah dire – Crystal Palace ratings v Brighton
Eddie Nketiah was spared his blushes as Eberechi Eze ran the show in an exciting 2-1 win for Crystal Palace over Brighton.
A masked Jean-Philippe Mateta scored his first goal since an awful injury against Millwall, slamming home the opener after just three minutes for the Eagles with a stunning left-footed effort.
Danny Welbeck was linked with a return to Man United in January, but the England international remained with the Seagulls, much to the chagrin of Palace fans, who watched on as the 34-year-old scored the equaliser in the 31st minute.
In a topsy-turvy clash between the two rivals, Man City target Daniel Munoz gave the Eagles the lead once again, firing home from the edge of the box with a low, driven effort in the 55th minute.
Eddie Nketiah was brought on to replace Mateta in the 68th minute and after being shown a yellow card for diving, the English striker was sent off for a high foot just 10 minutes after his introduction.
Marc Guehi was the next one down the tunnel, also having been shown a second yellow, before Jan Paul van Hecke received his marching orders late on, but Palace held out for an important three points over their rivals.
Oliver Glasner watches nine-man Crystal Palace hang-on for win against rivals Brighton
Dean Henderson – 8
Little that could be done for Welbeck’s goal. Made all the saves that would be expected of him and commanded his defence expertly, fine performance from the ex-Man United goalkeeper. Made a crucial last-gasp stop to deny Brighton an equaliser.
Daniel Munoz – 8
The Colombian might just be the best attacking full-back in the Premier League right now, scoring his third Premier League goal of the season with a sublime shot.
Jefferson Lerma – 6
Forced to fill in, in an unfamiliar position at centre-back, but dealt with most that came his way.
Maxence Lacroix (off for Ward 90′) – 7
The Frenchman was typically composed at the back for Palace, but was forced off by the concussion protocols after flying over the top of Joao Pedro to make a clearance.
Marc Guehi – 2
After an afternoon of solid defending, the England international made a baffling, and dangerous, challenge in the 91st minute for which he was sent off. Truly astonishing decision from a player usually so calm and assured.
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi sent off for inexplicable foul
Tyrick Mitchell – 6
The 25-year-old had a quieter game against Brighton, with the Seagulls’ goal coming from his side, before being replaced by Chilwell.
Adam Wharton – 4
Wharton is a target for Tottenham, and having been fortunate to avoid a red card in the previous game against Fulham, the 21-year-old suffered a miserable time against Brighton, with his wayward passing often putting Palace at risk.
Daichi Kamada – 7
Whilst Wharton struggled in midfield, Kamada blossomed, making the most tackles of any player on the pitch and showcasing some tidy passing. Was alert enough to earn the foul that caused Jan Paul van Hecke to be shown a red card in the closing stages.
Daniel Munoz scores stellar strike for Crystal Palace
Ismaila Sarr – 5
The former Watford man is so electric, so exciting when on form. But so often this season he has failed to consistently perform, and against Brighton, Sarr was absent for long stretches.
Eberechi Eze – 9 – Player-of-the-Match
Whilst Sarr struggles with inconsistency issues, Eze is putting in some astonishing performances for the Eagles, week in and week out. The former QPR man assisted both goals and will have once again impressed England manager Thomas Tuchel, who was in the stands to see both sides play.
Jean-Philippe Mateta – 8
Having suffered a horrendous injury, there were concerns about how long Mateta may be out for Palace. The answer, as a consequence of the international break, was one game. However, it took the Frenchman a little longer to find his confidence again (three games) and his strike against the Seagulls was utterly brilliant, and un-saveable.
Mateta wows with wondergoal after injury absence
Substitutes
Ben Chilwell (on for Mitchell 63′) – 6
The on-loan Chelsea wing-back is proving himself to be very capable off the bench and will be hoping to earn a starting spot soon.
Eddie Nketiah (on for Mateta 68′) – 1
A yellow card for a dive, and then a very, very high foot all within the space of ten minutes off the bench. Not much to add in this space, given those were the only moments of significance in the ex-Arsenal striker’s cameo off the bench.
Justin Devenny (on for Eze 82′) – 6
Brought on to add a little bit of attacking impetus to the side, but ended up sitting deep to help his side hang-on for the lead.
Will Hughes (on for Wharton 82′) – 6
Whilst Wharton struggled, Hughes kept hold of the ball well, winning his battles and using his experience to organise the nine-men left on the pitch after Guehi and Nketiah’s red cards.
Joel Ward (on for Lacroix 90′) – 7
Brought in to the action following Lacroix’s concussion substitution and was a rock at the back.