Gomez's halfway-line wonder goal powers Brighton past Palace

Summarised from 6 outlets · 7 reports · Updated 18 Oct, 16:27 · Archive

Diego Gomez scored a remarkable halfway-line goal as Brighton thrashed Crystal Palace 5-0.

Brighton defeated Crystal Palace 5-0 in a dominant performance that saw them score three goals in the opening ten minutes. The Seagulls took the lead through an own goal by Jaydee Canvot in the fourth minute. Moments later, Diego Gomez, 23, picked up the ball in the centre circle and struck a remarkable effort from the halfway line that sailed over Palace goalkeeper Walter Benitez into the back of the net. Yasin Ayari made it 3-0 inside the first ten minutes.

Gomez's goal drew immediate comparisons to David Beckham's famous long-range strike against Wimbledon in 1996. The Guardian noted that Gomez's effort was described as a goal-of-the-season contender. Pundit Efan Ekoku said: 'That's the goal of the season so far - what a hit.' Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given added: 'It's an amazing goal. Reminiscent of David Beckham.'

Brighton extended their lead in the second half when Charalampos Kostoulas scored three minutes after half-time to make it 4-0. Substitute Jack Hinshelwood added a late fifth goal, matching Brighton's record 5-0 win over Palace from 1956. The Guardian reported that this was Brighton's first victory against Palace since February 2024, ending a run of four matches without a win in the fixture.

Gomez, who was signed from MLS side Inter Miami in January 2025, has performed as a key player for Brighton this season under manager Fabian Hurzeler. The Guardian noted that the club has been among the Premier League's top scorers in their flying start to the campaign. The victory moved Brighton up the league table behind Manchester City, who The Daily Mail Sport reported have been found guilty of financial rule breaks.

How it is being reported

• Diego Gomez scores from halfway line as high-flying Brighton rout Crystal PalaceThe Albion midfielder spectacularly opened his account for the season by pinging the ball over stranded Palace goalkeeper Walter BenitezIndependent Sport · 18 Oct, 16:44
• Gomez scores goal-of-the-season contender as Brighton trounce Palace to go secondGomez scores goal-of-the-season contender as Brighton trounce Palace to go secondThe Telegraph · 18 Oct, 16:22
• Brighton score five in Palace dismantling as Gomez nets wondergoalBrighton dismantled rivals Crystal Palace 5-0 as Diego Gomez scored from the halfway line in a very one-sided M23 derby.Sky Sports · 18 Oct, 16:12
• Gómez halfway-line wondergoal sparks Brighton’s 5-0 thrashing of sorry Crystal PalaceAt last, Fabian Hürzeler has the scalp that matters most to all Brighton fans, and in humiliating fashion. Diego Gómez’s breathtaking goal-of-the-season contender from the halfway line, à la David Beckham, was the highlight of another hugely impressive performance from the Premier League’s top scorers as they continued their flying start to the season. Not since a 4-1 thrashing here in February 2024 under Roberto De Zerbi had Brighton tasted victory against their arch rivals from up the A23 – a run of four matches. But having been handed the initiative by Jaydee Canvot’s own goal, a stunned…The Guardian · 18 Oct, 16:06
• Brighton star scores from HALFWAY LINE as Seagulls run riot against rivals Crystal PalaceBrighton blew rivals Crystal Palace away with a sensational opening ten minutes on Sunday afternoon with Paraguayan midfielder Diego Gomez stealing the show with a stunning goalMirror Sport · 18 Oct, 16:03
• Gomez scores stunning HALFWAY-LINE goal!Diego Gomez STUNS The Amex with halfway line goal in the 7th minute!Sky Sports · 18 Oct, 15:12
• Brighton star scores INCREDIBLE goal from the halfway line as they rise to SECOND in the Premier League behind leaders Man CityBrighton star Diego Gomez has scored a remarkable goal of the season contender as the Premier League's surprise package move up to second in the table in a first half thumping.Daily Mail Sport · 18 Oct, 14:34

In this story: Diego Gomez · Crystal Palace · Brighton · Walter Benitez · David Beckham · Manchester City · Inter Miami · Fabian Hurzeler

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