How the Seagulls rated in the 5-0 Premier League win against old rivals Crystal Palace

Brighton smashed their old rivals Crystal Palace with an excellent performance and moment of magic from Diego Gomez.

The Seagulls, who are third in the Premier League, were rewarded for a fast start as Pascal Gross’s dangerous set-piece was headed home by Palace defender Jaydee Canvot.

Then came a moment of magic from Gomez. The Paraguayan took one touch in a crowded midfielder, had a quick look up and pinged an effort from the halfway line that flew over goalkeeper Benítez and into the net. Goal of the season for sure.

Brighton were relentless and Yasin Ayari soon made it three. The Sweden international made a late burst into the box and his deflected effort from Charlampos Kostoulas' pass found the bottom corner.

The fourth arrived soon after the break as Ayari saw his goal-bound effort blocked and Kostoulas was the most alert to poke home from close range. Local lad Jack Hinshelwood capped a brilliant afternoon as he volleyed home after Luka Vuskovic’s header from a deep set-piece was saved.

A day to remember for Albion fans and head coach Fabian Hurzeler, who finally got his first win over Crystal Palace.

Brighton player ratings

Bart Verbruggen - 7: Smart stop to deny Kamada on 12 minutes when Brighton were three-up. His distribution has also improved of late.

Olivier Boscagli - 8: Such a clever player. The Frenchman's pass found Gomez to tee up the second goal. His left foot is a threat and almost set up a fourth when his cross field pass picked out Gomez again, but his volley was blocked. Replaced by Hadjam on 80 minutes.

Luka Vuskovic - 8: Another very encouraging display from the 19-year-old. Defended well, very physical and advanced into midfield positions at times. Curled an effort narrowly over on 55 minutes. Van Hecke upgrade?

Lewis Dunk - 7: No-one would have enjoyed that more result more than the captain. Defended well and his partnership with Vuskovic looks a very good one. Clean sheet would have delighted him

Ferdi Kadioglu - 8: His recovery runs summed up the intensity of Brighton's performance today. Boundless energy looks back to his best. Saw a powerful effort on 38 minutes tipped over

Pascal Gross - 8: Just faultless and absolutely runs the show. His brilliant delivery from a freekick forced the opening own goal from Canvot. Booked for a foul on Pino and subbed on 71 minutes for Hinshelwood.

Chema Andres - 8: Smooth as silk in the midfield. The Spaniard has quickly emerged as a key figure after his deadline day arrival. Tactically very clever and good in possession.

Maxim De Cuyper - 7: The Belgian seemed to enjoy the physical battle on the left flank. No goals or assists this time but a very effective display. A good shift as they say.

Yasin Ayari - 8: Burst forward into the box to grab the third with a deflected effort. His blocked shot also set up the fourth. His runs from deep are so well timed and workrate is first class.

Diego Gomez - 10: My word! He has to get top marks for that strike alone. Denied a second goal as his volley from Boscagli's pass was blocked by Ahanor.

Charalampos Kostoulas - 8: Teed up Ayari for the third and almost on the scoresheet at the start of the second as he arrowed a shot just wide. He finally got the goal he deserved with a lcose range effort on 49 minutes.

Substitutions: Georginio (Kostoulas, 71), Hinshelwood (Gross, 71), Yalcouye (Ayari, 81), Svoboda (Dunk, 90).