‘I didn’t know' - Diego Gomez's brilliant admission after half-way line stunner as Brighton blitz Crystal Palace
Diego Gomez said he spotted Crystal Palace goalkeeper Walter Benitez off his line, before scoring from the half-way line in Brighton’s derby victory.
The midfielder’s spectacular strike drew comparisons with David Beckham’s famous goal against Wimbledon, but Gomez admitted he did not know how to celebrate.
“When I got the ball I knew the goalkeeper was a little bit ahead,” he told Sky Sports.
“When I scored I didn’t know where to run or what to do. I was very happy with the goal.”
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.
It came during a devastating opening spell in which Brighton scored three times inside 10 minutes. Jaydee Canvot’s own goal put the hosts ahead before Gomez struck, with Yasin Ayari adding a deflected third.
Second-half goals from Charalampos Kostoulas and Jack Hinshelwood sealed a 5-0 win for the Seagulls – Fabian Hurzeler’s first against Crystal Palace.
Despite Brighton’s commanding start, Gomez said they had prepared for a difficult contest against their rivals.
“We knew it would be a really tough match,” he said.
"Mentally we felt ready. Very happy with the win.”
Brighton’s performance continued an impressive start to the season that had already included a 3-0 victory over Arsenal, with the Seagulls moving second before the Gunners’ match against Nottingham Forest.
Gomez put their form down to the bond within the squad and the standards they maintain throughout the week.
“It’s about the brotherhood and the intensity,” he said. “We keep doing this in training and games.”