Brighton snatch late equaliser to draw against Palace at Selhurst

Crystal Palace was compelled to settle for a 1-1 draw against arch-rivals Brighton and Hove Albion in the English Premier League on Thursday night, following a late equalizer from Danny Welbeck at Selhurst Park.

The home team unexpectedly seized the lead just before halftime when Jordan Ayew headed home, capitalizing on an error from Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen. Palace appeared poised to secure three crucial points, but the Seagulls mounted a comeback in the final stages, with Welbeck rising highest to nod in the leveller in the 82nd minute.

This outcome marks the fifth consecutive top-flight encounter between the fierce rivals at Palace’s home ground that has concluded in a 1-1 draw. The first half was largely uneventful, with neither side creating many clear-cut chances. Ayew’s timely strike just before the break gave the Eagles the lead.

Brighton dominated possession in the second half and eventually capitalized when Welbeck outjumped Jack Butland to connect with a cross, securing a share of the spoils for the visitors. Despite late chances for both teams, a decisive winner proved elusive, resulting in the points being evenly split.

The draw leaves Palace still in search of just their second home league victory this season, while Brighton extends their unbeaten run to six matches in all competitions, though they may feel they could have claimed maximum points from the contest.