Crystal Palace bowed out of the FA Cup as they lost 2-1 to rivals Brighton at the Amex stadium in a brilliant encounter.
Both sides were much changed but still, both put on a great show for their respective supporters on a cold night on the south coast.
The FA Cup won’t be at the top of both sides priorities but a nice cup run could be a timely distraction as both look to secure their status in the Premier League for next season as the battle against the drop intensifies.
The hosts took the lead in the first-half through Dale Stephens who scored his first Brighton goal for over a year before Bakary Sako responded in the second-half with a stunning strike.
Glenn Murray scored the winner late on as he came off the bench to secure the Seagulls’ passage through to the fourth round to face Middlesbrough. Here are our ratings of the Palace players following the defeat.
Wayne Hennsessey - 5
Made a couple of decent saves but could have really done much better for the opening Brighton goal.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah - 6
Had a positive night at full-back but couldn’t help his side to seal their passage through to the next round
Martin Kelly - 5
Led the back four well but struggled to keep out Brighton’s attacking players on a regular basis.
Damian Delaney - 5
Not his greatest evening in the Palace shirt but did look a threat at set pieces throughout
Jeffrey Schlupp - 5
Hard to really give him a mark after coming off injured after just 13 minutes
Yohan Cabaye - 6
Was always looking to create chances for those ahead of him but struggled on a tough night for his side.
Jaïro Riedewald - 5
A disappointing performance from a player who hasn’t featured much this season and he also picked up a late caution.
Andros Townsend - 6
Was replaced at the break after picking up an injury and really struggled to make an impact whilst he was on the pitch.
James McArthur - 6
One of his sides better players but Palace failed to really offer a threat in an attacking sense for the large part.
Patrick van Aanholt - 4
A poor performance from the Dutchman as he made his return to the side in a left-wing position.
Bakary Sako - 7
Palace’s best player by some distance and scored a brilliant goal to get his side on level terms in the second-half and is really putting pressure on Benteke to be the clubs first choice striker.
Subs
Pape Souaré – 6 Came on early and performed well after a long time away from the team following a serious injury.
Sullay Kaikai – 5 Failed to really make an impact despite coming on at the break and looks some way off the first-team.