Diego Gomez scored a terrific goal as Brighton & Hove Albion thrashed Crystal Palace 5-0 in the Premier League at the Amex Stadium on Sunday.
Jaydee Canvot’s own goal gave Brighton the lead inside five minutes before Gomez doubled their advantage shortly after.
Olivier Boscagli passed to the Paraguayan midfielder after Brighton won possession. Gomez then produced a brilliant effort from the halfway line that sailed over the backtracking goalkeeper Walter Benitez and into the net.
The 23-year-old’s goal came from 51 metres, the furthest distance from which a goal has been scored in the Premier League since Wayne Rooney’s 58-metre strike for Everton against West Ham United in 2017.
Gomez was also involved in Brighton’s third goal, combining with Charalampos Kostoulas, who set up the onrushing Yasin Ayari to put the ball home.
The Paraguayan midfielder was denied the chance to register another assist in the 26th minute after delivering a ball across the six-yard box, but Honest Ahanor blocked the delivery.
Kostoulas added the fourth goal early in the second half before Jack Hinshelwood completed the rout in the 84th minute.
Gomez finished the game with the joint-most complete dribbles. He also registered 54 touches in the opposition box, nine passes into the final third, and two line-breaking passes.
Speaking with the BBC, Fabian Hurzeler praised the midfielder’s remarkable strike.
“We don’t train shots from 50 metres. Overall, we know he has a really good finish. In these moments, it’s about being very precise with his long kick. The perception to recognise the keeper and the quickness to act were impressive.”
Brighton have now collected 16 points from seven games, leaving them five points behind leaders Manchester City.
They face Jablonec in the Europa Conference League League before taking a trip to Merseyside to face Liverpool next Sunday.