Brighton star scores from HALFWAY LINE as Seagulls run riot against rivals Crystal Palace

Brighton star Diego Gomez has been compared to David Beckham following his wondergoal from the halfway line. The Seagulls enjoyed a scintillating opening half against their rivals Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.

They took the lead as Jaydee Canvot put through his own net, with Gomez then doubling the lead just moments later with a stunning strike.

Gomez, 23, picked the ball up in the centre circle and fired a brilliant effort over Palace keeper Walter Benitez and into the back of the net.

Speaking about the striker, former Premier League stopper Shay Given said: “It's an amazing goal. Reminiscent of David Beckham [vs Wimbledon].

“I don't even blame Benitez the goalkeeper. We're always talking about sweeper goalkeepers and you've got to be high up for the through ball and the defence playing a high line.

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“I think his position was fine. You've just got to take your hat off to Gomez. That is just a brilliant, brilliant goal.”

Fellow pundit Efan Ekoku added: “What a strike. Wharton gets dispossessed and Gomez only has one thought.

“He absolutely drills out, superbly struck and right over the head of the keeper from the centre-circle. That's the goal of the season so far - what a hit.”

Gomez has been a star performer for Brighton this season, the Seagulls having enjoyed a brilliant start to the campaign under Fabian Hurzeler. He now has a goal and two assists to his name.

Gomez was signed from MLS side Inter Miami in January 2025. Away from his goal, Brighton’s afternoon continued to get even better.

Just moments after Gomez’s strike, Yasin Ayari got on the scoresheet to round off a sensational opening 10 minutes. Charalampos Kostoulas then extended their advantage even further in the second half. Jack Hinselwood rounded off the scoring late on.

Their win leaves them second in the Premier League table after five wins from their opening seven games. Following their thumping of Palace, Brighton will now turn their attention to their European commitments, with a clash with Czech side Jablonec to come in midweek ahead of a clash with Liverpool.

Palace in the meantime have been left to lick their wounds ahead of a clash with Turkish giants Besiktas. Their next Premier League assignment will see them tangle with Newcastle.