Brighton thrashed rivals Crystal Palace 5-0 on Sunday afternoon, with Paraguayan midfielder Diego Gomez scoring a sensational goal from the halfway line. The result leaves the Seagulls second in the Premier League table after five wins from their opening seven games.
Brighton took the lead when Jaydee Canvot put through his own net, with Gomez then doubling the advantage moments later. The 23-year-old picked the ball up in the centre circle and fired a brilliant effort over Palace keeper Walter Benitez and into the back of the net.
Pundits praise Gomez strike
Former Premier League stopper Shay Given compared the goal to David Beckham's famous effort for Manchester United against Wimbledon. Given said: "It's an amazing goal. Reminiscent of David Beckham [vs Wimbledon]."
"I don't even blame Benitez the goalkeeper. We're always talking about sweeper goalkeepers and you've got to be high up for the through ball and the defence playing a high line," he added. "I think his position was fine. You've just got to take your hat off to Gomez. That is just a brilliant, brilliant goal."
Fellow pundit Efan Ekoku said: "What a strike. Wharton gets dispossessed and Gomez only has one thought. He absolutely drills out, superbly struck and right over the head of the keeper from the centre-circle. That's the goal of the season so far - what a hit."
Brighton's dominant display
Gomez has been a star performer for Brighton this season under Fabian Hurzeler, now having a goal and two assists to his name. He was signed from MLS side Inter Miami in January 2025.
Just moments after Gomez's strike, Yasin Ayari got on the scoresheet to round off a sensational opening 10 minutes. Charalampos Kostoulas then extended their advantage in the second half, with Jack Hinselwood rounding off the scoring late on.
What's next for both sides
Following their win over Palace, Brighton will turn their attention to their European commitments, with a clash with Czech side Jablonec to come in midweek ahead of a match with Liverpool.
Palace, meanwhile, have been left to lick their wounds ahead of a clash with Turkish giants Besiktas. Their next Premier League assignment will see them face Newcastle.
