Supersub lifts 10-man Seagulls
against his former club via the crossbar in his 100th game for the Seagulls. Brighton had a stronger claim for a spot-kick shortly after when James Tomkins sent Murray to the ground to cause a shoulder injury which would see him replaced.
But Friend could not miss a ridiculous butt from Duffy as the Brighton centreback thrust his head at Patrick van Aanholt right in front of the official.
But the Irishman’s red card disrupted the Eagles more than the Seagulls.
Inept
Chris Hughton sought to shore up his defence by bringing on Balogun and the unmarked defender lashed in with his first touch from Solly March’s corner.
Brighton then had to replace Murray with Andone and the Romanian scored a stunning third with help from more inept defending before the break.
Chasing a long clearance, the former Deportivo La Coruna striker outpaced Tomkins and then fired home before Sakho moved across.
Andros Townsend had headed wide early on and Bernardo blocked a low shot from Milivojevic in the first half.
But after the break Brighton sat in to defend their lead and Hodgson, who is missing the injured Christian Benteke, had to call on the height of Alexander Sorloth to try and break them down.
Zaha was booked and then lucky to escape a red card when he was judged to have fouled Andone.
But the Palace talisman then won an
80th-minute penalty when he was tripped by Balogun and Milivojevic slotted home his third goal of the season but Palace never threatened a big finish.
Ryan; Montoya, Duffy, Dunk, Bernardo; March, Propper, Bissouma, Izquierdo (Knockaert 49); Gross (Balogun 31); Murray (Andone
35). Subs: Steele, Bong, Kayal, Locadia. Hennessey; Wan-Bissaka, Tomkins, Sakho, Van Aanholt; McArthur (Schlupp 73), Kouyate (Sorloth 58), Milivojevic, Meyer; Townsend, Zaha. Subs: Guaita, Ward, Kelly, Puncheon, Ayew.
Kevin Friend.