Brighton & Hove Albion moved up to second in the Premier League after Diego Gomez scored from the halfway line in a 5-0 victory over rivals Crystal Palace.
The Seagulls were ahead after just four minutes when Jaydee Canvot headed into his own net. Three minutes later, Gomez doubled Brighton’s advantage with a remarkable long-range strike.
Olivier Boscagli won possession from Adam Wharton before Paraguay midfielder Gomez noticed Crystal Palace goalkeeper Walter Benitez well off his line. The 23-year-old immediately attempted an audacious effort from inside his own half.
Benitez raced back and launched himself towards the ball, but could only watch as it dropped under the crossbar.
Opta recorded the effort as coming from 51 metres, making it the longest-range Premier League goal since Wayne Rooney scored from 58m during Everton’s 4-0 win over West Ham in November 2017.
Palace’s difficult start continued when Yasin Ayari made it 3-0 after 10 minutes. He collected Charalampos Kostoulas’ backheel and struck past Benitez to complete a devastating opening spell from Brighton.
Kostoulas added a fourth four minutes into the second half. Ayari’s attempt deflected into the striker’s path, allowing him to finish into the net.
Palace created opportunities to reduce the deficit after substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta returned from nearly two months out with a hamstring injury. Mateta hit the crossbar, while Jefferson Lerma headed against the post.
Brighton completed their biggest win over Crystal Palace since 1956 in the 84th minute. Benitez parried Luka Vuskovic’s header, but Jack Hinshelwood was in the right place to convert from close range.
The result gave Brighton their fifth Premier League victory of the campaign and their eighth clean sheet in all competitions in 2026-27.
They moved into second place in the table, although they will drop back to third if Arsenal win at Nottingham Forest in Sunday’s later game.
