Brighton beat Palace 5-0 as Gomez scores from halfway

Brighton beat Crystal Palace 5-0 on Sunday, October 18, as Diego Gomez scored from near the halfway line in the opening minutes of a commanding Premier League derby win. The midfielder’s seventh-minute strike, taken from inside Palace’s half, helped Brighton race to a three-goal lead within the first 10 minutes. Brighton had gone ahead through Jaydee Canvot’s own goal before Gomez collected the ball near the halfway line and sent it over goalkeeper Walter Benitez, who was off his line. Reports described the effort as approximately 50 to 51 metres. It was the second goal of the match and put Brighton 2-0 ahead. Yasin Ayari added a third in the 10th minute, with his shot deflecting off Canvot. Charalampos Kostoulas scored early in the second half, and Jack Hinshelwood completed the scoring late in the game. Brighton had further chances, while Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jefferson Lerma struck the goal frame. The strike was described as the Premier League’s longest-range goal since Wayne Rooney scored from 58 metres for Everton against West Ham United in November 2017, a comparison attributed to Opta. Gomez’s effort also recalled David Beckham’s famous goal from near...