Diego Gomez evokes David Beckham memories with 51-metre stunner
Diego Gomez earned comparisons with David Beckham after scoring from 51 metres, as Brighton scored three goals in nine minutes against Crystal Palace.
The midfielder’s spectacular seventh-minute strike helped Brighton race into a 3-0 lead, at the Amex Stadium.
“It’s an amazing goal – reminiscent of David Beckham [vs Wimbledon],” Match of the Day pundit Shay Given said.
Gomez’s effort was the Premier League’s longest-range goal since Wayne Rooney scored from 58 metres for Everton, against West Ham, in November 2017.
Given defended Palace goalkeeper Benitez, arguing that his position reflected the demands placed on modern goalkeepers behind a high defensive line.
“I think his position was fine,” he said. “You’ve just got to take your hat off to Gomez. That is just a brilliant, brilliant goal.”
Jaydee Canvot’s fourth-minute own goal had put Brighton ahead before Gomez doubled their advantage. Yasin Ayari then added a deflected third after a cutback from Charalampos Kostoulas, completing a devastating opening spell. Kostoulas made it 4-0 early in the second half and Jack Hinshelwood later made it five.
Brighton’s performance has strengthened their early-season challenge, with Fabian Hurzeler’s side sitting second in the live table before Arsenal’s match against Nottingham Forest.
They came into the derby on a run of five consecutive wins in all competitions, including a 3-0 victory over Arsenal, and had kept clean sheets in their previous three matches.
The home supporters underlined their growing confidence by singing ‘Are you Arsenal in disguise?’ as Palace struggled to contain Brighton’s movement and passing.
Former Wimbledon striker Efan Ekoku described the first-half display on 5 Sports Extra as a ‘rout’ and said Palace were ‘being carved to pieces’ in midfield.
“The opening minutes was probably as good as you’ll see from any side,” he said.