Buoyed by the fresh energy of two half-time substitutes, Brighton admittedly then went up the gears, Dunk’s header from a deep free-kick drifting back across goal, but thankfully wide of the far post.
A flurry of bookings followed for both sides and 18-year-old David Ozoh – so impressive off the bench against Manchester City – was introduced as Palace looked to reassert themselves in the contest.
But Brighton’s opportunities kept coming, and Henderson was called upon to produce a firm low block to deny Billy Gilmour’s fizzing first-time shot, seconds before Jack Hinshelwood blazed over when picked out at the back post by Pascal Gross.
There was a moment of difficulty for the ‘keeper when a deep cross proved too hot to handle at the first attempt, but he did well to improvise and keep the ball away from the onrushing Joao Pedro, before Marc Guéhi blocked from Van Hecke.
Under increasing pressure, Palace were having to choose their moments to break forwards – but only a fine last-ditch challenge from Van Hecke prevented late substitute Ebere Eze from sliding in a second for the hosts after cute approach play from Olise and Mateta.
Then, with eight minutes left, the sucker-punch: an in-swinging cross from Gross was flicked goalwards by substitute Danny Welbeck and looped slowly, highly – and agonisingly – into the top corner of the net.
It could have gotten worse for Palace in the closing seconds as Henderson punched a long ball forwards from Billy Gilmour onto Welbeck’s head – but thankfully the ricochet trickled wide of the mark.
Late frustration for Palace, but a battling point for the Eagles ahead of festive fixtures away at Chelsea and home to Brentford.
Palace: Henderson (GK), Clyne, Guéhi, Andersen, Mitchell, Richards, Hughes (Ozoh, 59), Lerma, Olise, Ayew (Eze, 70), Mateta
Subs: Matthews (GK), Tomkins, Riedewald, Schlupp, Ahamada, Ebiowei, França
Brighton: Verbruggen (GK), Igor Julio, Van Hecke, Dunk, Hinshelwood (Lallana, 75), Gross, Gilmour, Adingra (Welbeck, 45), Baleba (Buonanotte, 45), Mitoma (Moder, 83), Pedro
Subs: Steele (GK), Milner, Dahoud, Ferguson, Kavanagh
As It Happened
Sophie Anderson, a UK-based writer, is your guide to the latest trends, viral sensations, and internet phenomena. With a finger on the pulse of digital culture, she explores what’s trending across social media and pop culture, keeping readers in the know about the latest online sensations.
