Crystal Palace defender Jaydee Canvot put through his own net after four minutes, and Gómez doubled Brighton’s advantage three minutes later with a remarkable 51-metre strike. Spotting goalkeeper Walter Benítez away from his line, the Paraguayan midfielder launched the ball over him from just beyond halfway.
Yasin Ayari made it three in the 10th minute, capping a blistering start that left Palace struggling to recover. Charalampos Kostoulas added a fourth shortly after half-time, before Jack Hinshelwood completed the scoring six minutes from time as Brighton turned local bragging rights into a statement victory.
Gómez told Sky Sports that Brighton had prepared for a difficult contest, but were delighted with how they delivered.
“We knew it would be a really tough match. Mentally we felt ready. Very happy with the win.
“When I got the ball I knew the goalkeeper was a little bit ahead. When I scored I didn’t know where to run or what to do. I was very happy with the goal.
“It's about the brotherhood and the intensity. We keep doing this in training and games.”
His goal was the headline moment of a performance built on energy and clinical finishing. Brighton’s quick start put Palace under immediate pressure, while Gómez’s audacious effort punished Benítez for leaving his goal unguarded. The strike was the longest-range Premier League goal since Wayne Rooney scored from 58 metres for Everton against West Ham in 2017.
Brighton continued to threaten after the break rather than protecting their lead. Kostoulas found the net in the 49th minute, and Hinshelwood’s late finish added further gloss to a one-sided derby.
The result extended Brighton’s strong run and temporarily lifted them into second place in the Premier League table, with their attacking output again making an impression. Palace, meanwhile, were left to reflect on a defensive display that unravelled inside the opening ten minutes.
For Brighton, the scoreline offered more than three points: it was a commanding derby win, capped by one of the season’s most extraordinary goals. The margin underlined the gap between the sides, as Brighton converted their early momentum into a complete performance across both halves and never allowed Palace a foothold all afternoon.