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'It was a relief' – Glasner thrilled to snap winless run with victory at Brighton

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Oliver Glasner said the overriding feeling was one of relief after Crystal Palace ended their 12-game winless run in all competitions against rivals Brighton on Sunday.

Ismaila Sarr's 61st-minute strike was enough to hand Palace all three points and seal a result that moved them nine points clear of 18th-placed West Ham in the table. 

It marked another away day to remember for the Eagles, who have now picked up 63% of their points in the Premier League this season away from Selhurst Park (20/32).

Indeed, only Thomas Frank's Tottenham (66%) have a higher proportion on the road. Each of Palace's last four wins in the competition have come on their travels.

The win provides some light on what has been a tumultuous period for Palace, with club captain Marc Guehi leaving to join Manchester City and an FA Cup third-round defeat to non-league Macclesfield summing up their worrying downturn in form.

Glasner, who has already announced that he will leave the club at the end of the season, could not hide his delight at ending their barren run at the venue of their rivals.

"Winning after months of not winning and then in an away game against Brighton, where it means so much for our fans, it's a great Sunday afternoon," said Glasner.

"It was a relief. We can talk and analyse but you can never replace a win.

"We deserved it at the end. We couldn't expect to play our best football, but we were very compact and aggressive."

Brighton, meanwhile, are now without a win in their last five league games, and will be looking nervously over their shoulders with the teams below them picking up form. 

The Seagulls' only win in their last 12 Premier League games (D6 L5) was a 2-0 victory over Burnley in January.

Since the first game in this period (Dec 3rd v Aston Villa), they are 18th in the top flight form table with just nine points – they came into that fixture in fifth spot in the standings.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler acknowledged his side are experiencing a difficult situation, telling BBC Sport: "[It's] not an easy moment, but that is football and we will face.

"The game was not our best game, so we have to be self-critical. Until the first goal, it was not our best game, but it was how we reacted.

"We didn't stay in our structure and made easy mistakes. Goals always happen after mistakes.

"We are all disappointed and know we have problems at the moment but it is about finding solutions. 

"It is football. I have to accept emotions are part of the game I am fully committed to this club and try my best along with the players."