Lewis Dunk declined to be drawn into talk of a Premier League title challenge, after Brighton’s 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace – insisting their focus remains on the next match.

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 moved second before Arsenal’s game against Nottingham Forest, continuing an impressive start to the season with a dominant display against their rivals.

But asked whether his side were in the title race, Dunk told BBC Radio 5 Live: “That’s up to you to do that. That’s not my job.

Lewis Dunk declined to be drawn into talk of a Premier League title challenge, after Brighton’s 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace – insisting their focus remains on the next match. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

placeholder image — Lewis Dunk declined to be drawn into talk of a Premier League title challenge, after Brighton’s 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace – insisting their focus remains on the next match. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

“We’ve just got to focus on the next game we’ve got to go to on Thursday. We’ve got a big game in the Conference League and another on Sunday and that’s all we can focus on. I’ll let you do the talking on that.”

The defender was more forthcoming about Brighton’s performance, praising the intensity and belief running through the team.

“It was unbelievable,” he said.

"From the first minute to the last we were the better side and we showed what we were about at this moment of time..

“The intensity, the passion and everything we’re doing at the moment is in a high place.”

Gomez provided the standout moment with his spectacular 51-metre goal, and Dunk said his position behind the midfielder gave him the perfect view.

“He’s got a hammer-foot,” Dunk said. “I was right behind him and I knew it was in. Unbelievable goal. He’s playing with a lot of confidence and he’s showing it out there.”

Dunk also pointed to Brighton’s spread of goalscorers and defensive record as reasons for their strong early-season form.

He added: “If you look, they’re shared around a lot which is a massive help. We’ve got everyone chipping in and helping out the team.

“If you look at our clean sheets, I think it’s the most we’ve ever had at this part of the season so we’re buzzing with that as well.”