Football rivalries, especially those in the Premier League, are known for their intensity and fierce competition. One such rivalry that has captured the attention of fans in recent years is that between Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. and Crystal Palace F.C., two teams that have provided memorable moments in English football. Whether it’s their encounters at the Amex Stadium or Selhurst Park, the games between these two clubs are always anticipated with great excitement.
The Rivalry: Brighton vs. Crystal Palace
The rivalry between Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace is often referred to as the M23 Derby due to the proximity of the two clubs, with Brighton located along the south coast and Crystal Palace in South London. Though this rivalry is not as long-standing as others like the North West Derby between Manchester United and Liverpool, or North London’s Arsenal vs. Tottenham, it has developed its own unique intensity.
The competitive nature of their clashes has risen sharply since Brighton’s promotion to the Premier League in 2017. Both teams have often fought for similar positions in the league table, which has added an extra layer of drama to their encounters. With Crystal Palace often playing in the Premier League, and Brighton earning their spot, the two clubs have had multiple high-stakes battles over the years.
Head-to-Head Record: Brighton vs. Crystal Palace
Historically, Crystal Palace has had a slight upper hand in the rivalry. Since Brighton’s promotion to the Premier League, the games between these two teams have been a mixed bag of results, with both clubs claiming their share of victories. As of 2024, here’s a breakdown of the head-to-head statistics:
Total Meetings: Over 100 games have been played between Brighton and Crystal Palace, with these clubs competing in various divisions over the years, including the top-tier Premier League and the Championship.
Wins: Crystal Palace leads the overall win tally in the M23 Derby, but Brighton has certainly made its mark, especially in recent years since their top-flight promotion.
Recent Form: The most recent matchups between Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace have been quite competitive, with Brighton often putting up strong performances, especially under their manager Roberto De Zerbi. Brighton’s improved offensive play and solid defense have helped them challenge Palace more fiercely, with recent games often ending in draws or narrow wins.
Goals Scored: Crystal Palace has historically had the edge in terms of goals scored against Brighton, but Brighton has steadily closed that gap with a more potent attack in recent seasons, especially with players like Leandro Trossard (prior to his transfer to Arsenal) and Danny Welbeck making notable contributions.
Biggest Win: One of the most memorable matches in recent years was Brighton’s 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace in 2022 at the Amex Stadium, where Brighton’s attacking play completely outclassed Palace.
Key Stats from Recent Encounters
As of 2024, both teams have had some key moments in their recent meetings:
2023/24 Premier League Season: Brighton faced Crystal Palace on several occasions, with the most significant being their 2-1 victory at home in November 2023. The match featured a brilliant goal from Kaoru Mitoma and a standout performance from Evan Ferguson, both of whom have been instrumental in Brighton’s attacking success this season.
2022/23 Season: Crystal Palace claimed a 1-0 win over Brighton at Selhurst Park in a tightly contested match, with Wilfried Zaha playing a pivotal role in the attacking third. Brighton’s resilient defense was ultimately broken by a moment of brilliance from the Palace star.
Goals per Match: Recent games between Brighton and Crystal Palace have featured low-scoring affairs compared to the more high-octane encounters between other Premier League rivals. However, both teams have been capable of brilliant individual performances that can change the course of a game.
Possession and Passing Stats: Brighton’s playstyle under Roberto De Zerbi has seen them dominate possession in many of their encounters against Crystal Palace. The Seagulls have consistently outperformed Palace in terms of passing accuracy and possession stats, showcasing their ability to control the tempo of games.
Key Players and Tactical Battles
Each team has its star players, with individual brilliance often determining the outcome of these derby encounters.
Brighton & Hove Albion:
Kaoru Mitoma: The Japanese winger has been one of Brighton’s standout players in recent seasons, and his pace, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring ability make him a constant threat to Crystal Palace.
Evan Ferguson: The young striker has quickly become a fan favorite at Brighton, and his sharp movement and finishing ability have helped the team achieve vital wins in the league.
Roberto De Zerbi: Brighton’s tactical mastermind, De Zerbi’s possession-based, attacking style has allowed Brighton to outperform many of their rivals. His approach to the M23 Derby has been to play an aggressive, possession-heavy game that wears down opponents like Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace:
Wilfried Zaha: The Ivorian forward has been Crystal Palace’s talisman for years. His pace and creativity make him a key player in the derby, capable of turning a game on its head with his individual moments of brilliance.
Michael Olise: Another exciting young talent, Olise has shown flashes of brilliance with his technical skills and vision on the ball. His ability to create chances from wide positions is crucial to Crystal Palace’s success against Brighton.
Patrick Vieira (Former Manager): Under former manager Patrick Vieira, Crystal Palace had a more defensive approach, relying on counter-attacking football. With his departure, new manager Roy Hodgson has brought in a more pragmatic and direct style of play, but still focuses on utilizing Palace’s key attacking talents like Zaha.

Stadiums and Fan Atmosphere
Amex Stadium (Brighton’s Home): The Amex Stadium has become a fortress for Brighton in recent years. The atmosphere during M23 Derby matches is electric, with fans passionate about their local rivalry. Brighton’s home advantage has often been significant, with the team’s fast-paced, high-pressing play often overwhelming opponents.
Selhurst Park (Crystal Palace’s Home): Selhurst Park is famous for its boisterous atmosphere, and Crystal Palace fans are known for creating a hostile environment for visiting teams. The narrow pitch can often benefit Palace, making it difficult for teams like Brighton to impose their style of play.
The Future of Brighton & Crystal Palace’s Rivalry
As of 2024, the M23 Derby is one of the most exciting fixtures for both Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace. With both teams steadily improving their squads and focusing on long-term success, future encounters between the two clubs promise to be even more competitive. Brighton’s rise under Roberto De Zerbi and Palace’s ongoing efforts to climb the table suggest that this rivalry will continue to thrive in the coming years.
Given Brighton’s focus on building a dynamic attacking side and Palace’s reliance on key individual talents, matches between these two teams will likely continue to showcase a contrast in styles, adding intrigue to each encounter. With both teams vying for Premier League survival and European spots, the M23 Derby could have even greater significance as the seasons progress.
FAQ’s
How have the tactics evolved between these two teams?
Over the years, both Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace have adjusted their tactical approaches when facing each other. Historically, Crystal Palace has played a more counter-attacking style, relying on Wilfried Zaha to exploit opposition weaknesses. Brighton, especially under Roberto De Zerbi, has embraced a possession-based and high-pressing game, often dominating the ball in their derby matches. The contrasting styles make their meetings fascinating, as each team tries to impose their playing philosophy.
What are the current stats for Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace in the Premier League in 2024?
As of the current 2024 season, both teams are firmly positioned in the mid-to-lower half of the Premier League table. Brighton has continued its upward trajectory under Roberto De Zerbi, aiming for European spots, while Crystal Palace is battling for survival and mid-table stability.
Brighton’s Current Form (2024): Brighton has been one of the most improved teams in the Premier League, with a solid attacking approach and a dynamic midfield. They are expected to finish around the top 8 by the end of the 2024 season.
To Conclude,
The rivalry between Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. and Crystal Palace F.C. has become one of the most exciting, intense, and unpredictable in the Premier League. While Crystal Palace has historically had the edge in terms of victories, Brighton’s rise in the league has made their matchups far more competitive. With star players like Kaoru Mitoma and Wilfried Zaha setting the stage for thrilling encounters, this derby continues to captivate fans and create memorable moments on the pitch.
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