Jordan Ayew goal clinches victory for Crystal Palace against Brighton

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson hailed his side’s “remarkable victory” that broke their “hoodoo” against rivals Brighton.

Jordan Ayew’s second-half goal gave Palace a first win over the Seagulls in three attempts and ended a seven-year wait for a win at Amex Stadium.

“I’m very proud,” Hodgson said. “Both teams were totally aware of how important this game is.

“It was a hard-fought derby. Both teams will feel they did everything they could possibly do. We knew we’d have to dig in and fight plenty of battles out there.

“It’s a remarkable victory because this is a fixture where we haven’t done so well in recent years, and it’s nice to break that hoodoo.

“It’s good to get back-to-back wins and we’ve got two important games coming up [at home to Watford then away at Bournemouth]. If they go well, we can kiss relegation goodbye.”

The result leaves Palace nestled safely in mid-table, while the Seagulls, who have not won since their victory over Bournemouth on 28 December, sit four points above the bottom three.

However, the outcome in many ways mirrored Brighton’s season so far.

The hosts dominated possession and carved out several opportunities to score but were eventually punished by their more incisive opponents.

Christian Benteke, a threat throughout for Hodgson’s side, created Ayew’s winning goal against the run of play.

The Belgian forward turned away from a home defender to find his strike partner with a clever reverse pass, Ayew converting with a low shot under Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan.