Diego Gomez’s 51-Metre Stunner Inspires Brighton’s 4-0 Palace Rout
Brighton & Hove Albion turned their derby meeting with Crystal Palace into a commanding 4-0 Amex Stadium victory on Sunday, with Gomez supplying the defining moment: a remarkable 51-metre strike from inside his own half that placed him among the Premier League’s most memorable long-range scorers.
Gomez produces a rare Premier League finish
The Paraguayan right midfielder struck in the early stages after Crystal Palace lost possession through Adam Wharton. Oliver Boscagli moved the ball to Gomez, who set himself with a single touch, recognised Walter Benitez had advanced from his goal and sent a powerful effort over the goalkeeper from 51 metres.
- The goal was Gomez’s first of the season, to go with two assists for Fabian Hurzeler’s team.
- It was the longest successful attempt in the Premier League for almost a decade.
- The last top-flight goal scored from further away was Wayne Rooney’s 58-metre effort for Everton against West Ham United in November 2017.
- Gomez has recorded 12 goals in 66 Brighton appearances since joining from Inter Miami in January.
Three goals in ten minutes put Brighton out of reach
Gomez’s extraordinary finish formed part of a ruthless opening spell from the hosts. Brighton had already gone ahead when Palace defender Jaydee Canvot headed into his own net, before Gomez extended the advantage.
Yasin Ayari then found the bottom corner three minutes later to make it 3-0. Brighton became only the ninth side in Premier League history to score three times within a ten-minute period, and the first since Newcastle United did so against Tottenham in April 2023.
Kostoulas completes the derby win
Brighton maintained control after the interval and added their fourth goal in the 49th minute through Charalampos Kostoulas.
Hurzeler’s side had started the match third in the table on 13 points. The win temporarily moved Brighton above Arsenal into second place, leaving them five points behind leaders Manchester City.
