Crystal Palace v Brighton & Hove Albion is an occasion defined by its fans. Since the late 1970s, the heated rivalry has been built-up, inflamed and memorialised by the thousands of supporters who pack the terraces year-round to follow it.
Today, for the first time, that couldn't be the case - as the historic battle unfolded without its usual pulsating soundtrack.
This absence perhaps defined the game regardless, however, with Brighton able to steal a late point - Palace missing their 12th man against determined opposition.
Summary
- Gary Cahill and Jeffrey Schlupp return to the lineup as Roy Hodgson makes six squad changes
- Brighton start on top, but Palace fend them off in characteristic fashion
- The Eagles then take the lead through a Wilfried Zaha penalty
- Half-time: Crystal Palace 1-0 Brighton & Hove Albion
- The Eagles appear to add a second through Michy Batshuayi only for the Belgian to be flagged offside
- Joel Ward and Gary Cahill prevent Neal Maupay from scoring just 10 yards out
- Brighton enjoy much of the game’s possession and chances but cannot break Palace’s adept backline
- The Eagles attempt to shut-up shop until full-time
- Brighton score a late equaliser through Alexis Mac Allister
- Lewis Dunk is shown a red card for a two-footed lunge
- Full-time: Crystal Palace 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Despite the magnitude of this rivalry, the game began in a steady fashion, with drama coming most clearly from corner-kick jostling than any on-the-ball displays.