Shades of Barca and Beckham – Brighton aim to maintain superb start

Brighton’s 5-0 win over Crystal Palace extended their prolific start to the Premier League season and strengthened hopes they could challenge for Champions League qualification. Diego Gomez’s goal from near the halfway line was the standout moment, as he spotted goalkeeper Walter Benitez off his line and scored from 51 metres.

The 23-year-old’s strike put Brighton 2-0 ahead in the seventh minute and was the league’s longest-range goal since Wayne Rooney scored from 58 metres in 2017. Brighton have 16 points and 23 goals from seven league matches, with 10 different players scoring; only three Premier League teams have scored more in their first seven games since 1992. They have also recorded emphatic wins over Arsenal and Coventry, and reached the Carabao Cup fourth round by beating Manchester United.