The Top Flight
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English Premier League: Matchday 34 Saturday Roundup

By Orri Benatar

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 14: Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City scores his sides second goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on April 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 14: Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City scores his sides second goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on April 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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Crystal Palace 3-2 Brighton

The M23 derby at Selhurst Park had bigger implications than just a simple rivalry. Both teams are fighting for survival and points toward another season in the Premier League. Crystal Palace took advantage of two goalmouth scrambles early in the match. Wilfried Zaha and James Tomkins each poked in goals to give the Eagles fans something to cheer for. It was 2-0 inside 14 minutes.

The goals kept coming as Glenn Murray brought one back for the Seagulls. It was Murray’s 12th goal of the campaign. Palace responded immediately as Wilfried Zaha headed one in to make it 3-1. Zaha’s header gave him his first ever Premier League brace.

The first half goals still didn’t stop. Jose Izquierdo brought another back for Brighton with a neat, curling finish past Wayne Hennessey. The first 45 were the best and most exhilarating of the season. It was the most goals in a first half this season.

It was all Brighton in the second half to get that equalizer. The best chance came late in stoppage time when Glenn Murray was right in front and kicked it sideways. The five first-half goals were the only ones as Crystal Palace gets three points further away from the drop zone.

Zaha’s heroics have kept Palace in games all season and today was no different. The brace for the Englishmen awards Palace a win, the first since March 17th. The Seagulls poor run of form extends to four losses in the last five. Brighton gave a good fight all game. They should have gotten the draw with how many chances they had in the second half. Brighton host Spurs on Thursday. Palace head to Vicarage Road for a Saturday date with Watford.

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